Matheus Cunha has been speaking to the media while on international duty with Brazil and the Manchester United forward has opened up on his life both on and off the pitch
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim talks to Diogo Dalot and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha (centre) has been an Man United for a short time, but he's thriving as a more high-profile player.
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Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha has revealed how the Brazil squad variate their tactical approach under Carlo Ancelotti and discussed how his life has transformed since joining the Old Trafford club.
The 26-year-old's United journey remains in its early stages, though he has yet to find the net or provide an assist for his new side. United sit in 10th position in the Premier League standings after seven matches, managing just three victories thus far.
Despite summer arrivals including Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, Ruben Amorim's team have struggled to gel.
Cunha has been representing Brazil during the international window, delivering an impressive display against South Korea on Friday as his nation secured a commanding 5-0 triumph. He will feature against Japan next before returning to domestic duties.
Speaking to Globo whilst in Asia for Brazil's pair of friendlies, Cunha outlined why collaborating with Ancelotti has proved so valuable, highlighting tactical flexibility as a key element that benefits both himself and the squad.
"One of Ancelotti's greatest strengths is getting the best out of each player," the former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker explained. "I came to the national team with this stereotype of a number nine shirt. I play my entire base as a midfielder and when I became a professional, I encountered this world of 4-3-3.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - OCTOBER 10: Matheus Cunha of Brazil (L) is tackled by Kim Minjae of South Korea (R) during the international friendly between South Korea and Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha has been with Brazil during the international break.
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"It seems like you have to adapt: either play centre forward, winger, or eight. They eliminated the midfielder position and you have to adapt. However, I view it positively, as it has given me experience in many more positions and even more so in short-term tournaments with the national team. Having a versatile player is a huge help for any coach."
He went on to discuss his time with United - something which Ancelotti has been discussing with him: "I've been very happy to be here for a while, especially now with Ancelotti. We talk about the games at Manchester, the positioning between the lines and without a doubt, we have the freedom to be ourselves and perform at our best on the pitch.
"Even though we don't know how we'll play the next game in terms of formation, everyone feels great. Training is going really well. Even though it may seem like he's just picking players for the same position, Ancelotti understands how to get the best out of everyone on the pitch. It's something that makes me very happy and excited to come and perform at my best."
Among the most notable acquisitions of the summer window, Cunha's standing at the highest level received a significant boost following his switch to United. The dynamic attacker addressed this during his interview with A Bola.
"I try as hard as possible to adapt and learn," he said. "It's only been two months, but it feels like I've been at the club for a long time. Given the current situation and the fact that I have to deliver results as quickly as possible because I'm a new signing.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Matheus Cunha of Manchester United warms up before the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha in action for United. (Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media, Getty Images)
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"I think that because I play for Manchester United and people follow me more on the pitch, they understand better how I play. I think it's part of having that weight, which is a privilege. It's a weight that came after the Tokyo Olympics. And if it means having that weight and becoming a champion, I think it's worth putting up with a little bit of confusion about where Matheus plays.
"It makes it easier for fans to follow the games. Manchester Utd games are shown more on Brazilian television. I left the country very young and being able to follow me every week connects me with them because United is a club with many Brazilian fans."
During an interview with GE whilst in Seoul for international duty, Cunha also highlighted how representing Brazil while at United offers him a fresh outlook.
"Being here now with the national team, at United, is, without a doubt, a different level, a different moment as a player," he said. "I'm trying as much as possible to adapt, to learn... It's only been two months, but it feels like I've been here for a long time because of the club's current situation, because I have to deliver results as quickly as possible, because I'm a new signing... All of this helps me adapt more quickly and feel my best with the national team."