With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Rio Ferdinand’s public endorsement of Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha has placed pressure on Chelsea’s Joao Pedro to prove he remains Brazil’s definitive number nine.
Joao Pedro and Matheus Cunha have both reached double digits in goal contributions during the 2025/26 campaign, though they find themselves in very different situations.
The Brazilian has been a standout performer following his high-profile move to Chelsea. He has already netted 18 goals and nine assists in all competitions.
Matheus Cunha, now representing Manchester United after leaving Wolves, continues to be a vital creative hub. While playing in a more flexible role across the front line, Cunha has amassed seven goals and four assists in 28 league matches.
We believe Pedro should lead the line for Brazil, but Rio Ferdinand disagrees.
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Rio Ferdinand picks Matheus Cunha over Joao Pedro
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Represents, the former Manchester United defender struggled to pick a winner for the number nine position.
However, he settled on Cunha and supported this by mentioning his fluidity.
“If I was picking it today, it would be Vinicius Jr on the right, Raphinha on the left, and wow. Cunha? Joao Pedro? Igor? I’d probably go for Cunha just for the fluidity and the ability to rotate, Raphinha coming into the number nine area at times, and Cunha being able to roll out.”
It’s a valid point made by Ferdinand, but Pedro has made five more assists than Cunha this season, and has experience from playing out wide at previous clubs, so he could arguably fill the same role.
How many points will we pick up here?
And will it be enough to save Liam Rosenior’s job?
Former Chelsea striker Alexandre Pato agrees with Rio Ferdinand
Alexandre Pato’s 2016 loan to Chelsea was a brief, forgettable cameo. Arriving with fitness concerns, he waited 64 days for his debut. He ultimately made just two Premier League appearances, totaling 131 minutes, with his solitary goal coming via a penalty against Aston Villa before returning to Corinthians.
And despite his slight allegiance to Chelsea, he’s backing Matheus Cunha.
“Hopefully, Neymar is OK, but if he’s not ready, I think it is Raphinha, Vini Jr, and Cunha as forwards.”
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