Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha has been backed by Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos to lead his nation at the 2026 World Cup.
Matheus Cunha was sorely missed by Manchester United during their latest 1-0 defeat to Everton at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim accepted blame for the performance, with United toothless and uninspiring in the final third despite facing 10 men for much of the match.
Ruben Amorim on Matheus Cunha
Cunha is a maverick. Cunha does things that are hard to find in some players because he plays with the ball, but he has an aura that can do something to opponent’s heads and that is really important.
Ruben Amorim
Cunha’s absence meant that Amad Diallo started as a No.10 on the left flank for United, but that experiment only lasted 45 minutes before Amorim made changes and introduced Mason Mount.
The good news is that Cunha’s injury is only short-term, and he has a big role to play for both United and Brazil when he returns.
Matheus Cunha playing against Tottenham
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Roberto Carlos compares Matheus Cunha and Joao Pedro
In the recent November international break, Cunha was in fine form for Brazil, playing as a central striker.
It is a position he has occasionally played at United, and with Benjamin Sesko injured, he could lead the line for the Red Devils on his return.
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As a World Cup and three-time Champions League winner, Roberto Carlos knows talent when he sees it, and the Brazilian legend has backed Cunha to lead the line for Brazil ahead of Chelsea’s Joao Pedro.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Carlos was asked who should start up front for Brazil: “I like Matheus Cunha. Joao Pedro is still very young. European football is helping Pedro develop. But in my opinion, Matheus Cunha is a better player today.
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Speaking about Brazil’s chances in the World Cup, he added: “I think with Neymar is doing well, Vinicius is doing well.
“Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Brazil has a lot of players. They just need to adapt without the ball.
“With the ball, they have a lot of quality, but without the ball, that’s a big problem. But I think little by little, Brazil is improving to reach the World Cup and at least be able to play in the final since R9 retired.”
Man United were linked to Joao Pedro alongside Matheus Cunha
Just a day after Cunha’s £62.5m move was confirmed, United were linked with Joao Pedro as a striker option.
Chelsea ended up winning the race for his signature, with Pedro completing a £60m move to Stamford Bridge.
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Since joining the Blues, Pedro has scored four goals in the Premier League this season. However, Cunha has been starting ahead of the 24-year-old on Brazil duty, and Carlos wants to see it stay that way for the 2026 World Cup.