Matheus Cunha in action for Manchester United in training.
Matheus Cunha arrived at Manchester United last month.
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who had Chelsea captain Reece James lifting the Club World Cup trophy aloft next to Donald Trump on their bingo card.
But after the Londoners produced an eye-catching performance to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium - an arena will grace with their presence in just under a fortnight's time - that was exactly what happened.
James, with Trump stood literally centimetres away from him, lifted the trophy aloft after first half goals from Cole Palmer (2) and Joao Pedro did enough to ensure Chelsea became world champions.
Despite not becoming a Chelsea player until July 2, Pedro played a vitally important role in an unlikely triumph for Enzo Maresca's men, scoring both goals in the 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense before dinking an excellent finish over Gianluigi Donnarumma for the Blues' third against PSG.
Signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £60million, Pedro has wasted no time in making his mark for the Londoners. He will be hoping he can replicate his success in the US back on home soil once the season starts next month.
The former Watford man, 23, scored a respectable ten goals and contributed six assists in just 27 league appearances for Brighton last term. After joining Brighton in 2023, he scored 19 goals in 58 league games.
Many will no doubt point out that record is not hardly blistering. What it is, though, is respectable.
Fellow Brazilian and United new boy Premier League record is also respectable; he has scored 29 goals in 82 appearances in the division. He plundered 15 of those 29 goals for Wolves last season.
Cunha is in line to make his debut when United face Leeds United in Stockholm in their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday, and supporters will be itching to catch a first glimpse of him in United colours.
Matheus Cunha will be eager to hit the ground running at Manchester United. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
The Reds have prioritised attacking signings this summer and Cunha, 26, is expected to fill the left-sided No.10 spot in 3-4-2-1 system.
Although Cunha and Pedro play in different positions, they have been signed by United and Chelsea respectively to bring the exact same things to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge: goals, assists and creativity.
United's attack was bereft of creativity and flamboyancy last season, meaning there is already immense pressure on Cunha to make his mark. United, of course, want to continue strengthening their attack this summer with the signings of and a natural striker.
But having spent £62.5m on Cunha, United will expect immediate results from the former Atletico Madrid man. He was one of the best players in the Premier League last season and his experience of playing in a 3-4-2-1 system will hopefully stand him in good stead in M16.
In the eyes of many, the Club World Cup was a competition made up of glorified friendlies and will only be remembered for Trump getting in the way of Chelsea's celebrations. Chelsea fans will, of course, remember other aspects.
However, whatever your thoughts are on the format of the competition and the purpose it served, Pedro's three goals from his first two starts in Chelsea colours have gone down in the record books. Nobody can take them away from him.
Joao Pedro has made a storming start to his Chelsea career. (Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.)
Like United, Chelsea have attempted to secure signings from fellow Premier League clubs this summer, swooping for Liam Delap, who was on United's radar before leaving Ipswich Town, and Pedro.
It is worth acknowledging Pedro's first three goals for Chelsea were scored against clubs from Brazil and France, but the club will be confident he can deliver the goods against the domestic competitors in the same way he did at Brighton and previously Watford.
He made an immediate impact in the States, scoring both goals that secured Chelsea's place in the final, and then put the final to bed before half-time with a lovely finish against a team many consider to have been the best in the world this calendar year.
If United witness a similar impact from Cunha, they will only be too happy. Pedro has demonstrated just the sort of start United need from their new Brazilian.