Former Brazil international Alexandre Pato has made a big prediction regarding Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Like a duck to water
Cunha has transitioned to life at United seamlessly, having joined the club last summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He impressed at Wolves and was arguably the reason why they beat the drop last season. He tallied 15 goals and six assists last term.
So far this season for United, Cunha has notched seven goals and two assists. He can still add to that tally with seven games remaining. Whether operating in attacking midfield or out wide, where caretaker boss Michael Carrick has deployed him in recent weeks, Cunha has still managed to make his presence felt.
He was particularly outstanding last week as the Red Devils were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Cunha was a constant threat to Alex Jimenez, who illegally brought him down to concede the penalty from which United took the lead. Cunha is in contention to win United’s Player of the Month award for March.
His contributions at United have only raised his profile within the Brazil national team set-up, with Carlo Ancelotti regularly calling him up.
Ahead of the World Cup, Pato has backed Cunha to be among the starters in the forward line, especially if Neymar fails to prove his fitness in time for the competition.
Pato’s Cunha prediction
Pato, who won 27 caps for the Selecao, told The Athletic, “I love my friend Neymar.”
“It depends more on him than on Ancelotti. He has time to be fit at 100 per cent for the World Cup. But it’s tough. The game here in Brazil is not easy.”
“To start the first game at the World Cup? Hopefully, Neymar is OK, but if he’s not ready, I think it is Raphinha, Vini and Cunha as forwards.”
“Igor Thiago (Premier League side Brentford’s powerful striker) deserves to be in the squad right now. He is different, but Brazil need to play like that.”
The former AC Milan and Golden Boy winner added, “Brazil will always be about talent, but talent is not enough for football right now. The world has changed; the physique of players changed… But Brazil has had difficulty to make players like this because our heart is more about talent.”
Cunha will certainly be hoping Pato’s prediction proves accurate. For the time being, however, his focus remains on continuing to deliver for United.
Featured image Wagner Meier via Getty Images
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