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Opinion

What Matheus Cunha is doing for Brazil means Man Utd can redirect transfer funds to make big splash

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Manchester United have a lot of priorities in the transfer market, but they might have to rethink one after Matheus Cunha’s exploits for Brazil.

International football has kicked off in style for Brazil, as they thrashed Panama 6-2, with contributions from Casemiro.

Matheus Cunha didn’t have the best game; however, the larger picture is extremely rosy for Man Utd’s long-term prospects.

That’s mainly because what he’s doing now for Brazil opens the door for the club to redirect transfer funds to make a big splash.

Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026, in Manchester, England.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

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Matheus Cunha’s versatile Brazil role

Cunha deserves immense credit this season for adapting not just his playing style, but his position and what is being asked of him.

Signed as a specialist No. 10 for Ruben Amorim, he had a rebirth as a prolific left-winger under Michael Carrick.

If that wasn’t enough proof of his versatility, then his exploits for Brazil should put that debate to rest once and for all.

Cunha has played as a striker, left-winger, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, traditional winger, and even as a defensive midfielder for Brazil.

Most recently, he was awarded the No. 9 shirt for Brazil, effectively cementing his place as the nation’s first-choice striker for the World Cup.

Cunha is not always best as a striker, as seen in Brazil’s recent 6-2 win against Panama, but the fact that Ancelotti has trusted him enough to give him the No. 9 jersey bodes well for United.

Cunha’s striker role opens up funds for Man Utd midfield rebuild

United have been aiming to buy three midfielders this summer, in addition to a left-sided forward and an experienced striker to take some pressure off Sesko’s shoulders.

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However, Cunha’s emergence as Brazil’s striker, in addition to Bryan Mbeumo doing a fine job there last season, means that United can cover that striker position via committee.

Sesko remains first choice, but Cunha and Mbeumo can switch it up when needed, and there are options to replace them on the wing already.

Add a potential promotion for Chido Obi, and there’s really no need to add another striker to the squad, even taking into account the four competitions United will be playing next season.

This will allow United to redirect even more funds to the midfield position, potentially making a difference between leaving Elliot Anderson for Man City or breaking the club record for him.

Cunha’s evolution couldn’t have come at a better time for United’s prospects in the market.