Brazil are continuing to step up their preparations for the World Cup but Man Utd forward Matheus Cunha might find himself out of the starting XI.
Matheus Cunha is part of the Brazil squad for the World Cup but might not make their starting XI
Matheus Cunha enjoyed a good first season at Manchester United after his £62.5million move from Wolves, but it still feels like we’re no closer to knowing exactly what his best position is.
That isn’t necessarily a problem, but it is often the case that players with the most versatility end up filling gaps wherever they arise, rather than landing a settled spot in the side.
Cunha fits that bill given he can play on either flank, as a striker, or as an attacking midfielder. Under Ruben Amorim, he slotted nicely into one of those two No. 10 slots, but since Michael Carrick took over, his role is less clear-cut.
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The Brazilian was an impact sub in Carrick’s first two games in charge, coming off the bench to score against Manchester City and Arsenal, before injury to Patrick Dorgu allowed him a route into the team on the left wing. When Dorgo returned on the final day of the season, Cunha was back on the bench.
His performances on the left were generally good, although he didn’t hold his width in the way a more natural winger would. The 27-year-old seems more at home in the centre of the pitch.
That is where he has generally played for Brazil and where he has done so during the Selecao’s friendlies from October leading into the World Cup. He has started six of those eight games, but is in danger of losing his place just before the tournament begins.
With Raphinha and Vinicius Jr seemingly guaranteed to start out wide, the battle is for places through the middle, and there is a growing campaign in Brazil for Brentford striker Igor Thiago to start.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has tried to make a system involving Raphinha, Vinicius Jr and Cunha work before, but there is a view that doesn’t give the team the focal point it needs in a 4-3-3, with Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta behind them in midfield.
Thiago is a more natural No. 9 and teenager Endrick is also beginning to state his case, having scored the winner against Egypt in a friendly on Sunday night. Speaking after the game, Ancelotti discussed the different strengths of his central attackers.
“Endrick has that quality, he’s very powerful, very well positioned in the box, he takes the opportunity and scores,” he said. He’s an important player for us.
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“All the players are important, with different characteristics. Matheus doesn’t finish like Endrick, but he’s important in building the game.”
That will be the balance for the former Real Madrid boss to strike. Does he need Cunha’s impact in building the play, or does he want a No. 9 likely to score more goals and play inside the penalty area? If it’s the latter, it could spell bad news for the United forward.
Perhaps that will be an insight into what awaits Cunha at Old Trafford next season, when he will try and nail down a place in Carrick’s best side. He will face more competition from Dorgu on the left, while United haven’t ruled out signing another winger.
Cunha could be considered as a false nine in some fixtures, and could stand in for Bruno Fernandes on occasion, so he will get plenty of games, but will he suffer for his versatility? A big World Cup in a central position could be food for thought, as long as he can stay in Ancelotti’s team.
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