**Matheus Cunha scored twice for Brazil as Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia on Saturday morning, giving Manchester United supporters a sharp World Cup reminder of his penalty-box value.**
The United forward started ahead of Igor Thiago and delivered the response Brazil needed after their opening draw with Morocco. Cunha forced in the first goal after 23 minutes, then struck again in the 36th minute with a left-footed finish at the near post.
Vinicius Junior added Brazil’s third before half-time, while Raphinha went off with a hamstring concern and Endrick later came on from the bench. The win lifted Brazil top of Group C on goal difference before their final group match against Scotland.
For United, this was a valuable snapshot of why Cunha can matter next season. He did not just score; he gave Brazil movement across the front line and justified Ancelotti’s selection call, according to [Sky Sports’ match report from Philadelphia](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12309/13553624/world-cup-2026-brazil-3-0-haiti-matheus-cunha-nets-twice-as-vinicius-junior-strikes-again-to-earn-much-needed-victory).
United already had a clear reason to track his tournament closely, with our [Matheus Cunha World Cup profile](https://readmanutd.com/2026/05/22/world-cup-man-utd-matheus-cunha-stats-brazil/) setting up his Group C schedule. This brace now changes the tone from watchlist to statement.
Cunha still has tougher tests ahead, but a two-goal World Cup start gives Michael Carrick a positive summer marker before United’s own pre-season work begins.