Matheus Cunha has proven to be one of Manchester United's most important players since his arrival in the North West last summer, with Michael Carrick receiving a major boost regarding the versatile forward
Matheus Cunha walks
Matheus Cunha will not play for Brazil later this month(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Carlo Ancelotti's decision to omit Matheus Cunha from his Brazil squad for the upcoming international break will be music to the ears of Manchester United fans. The 27-year-old has been in fine form at Old Trafford since his £62.5million move from Wolves a little over 12 months ago.
In 2025/26, the versatile forward managed 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League alone, and was instrumental to the Reds' third-place finish to clinch Champions League football. And Cunha has shown more of the same this season, managing two assists from United's opening three matches.
However, Ancelotti has not seen enough from the marksman to select him for Brazil's upcoming trip to Australia for the Queensland Football Series during the international break at the end of the month. While the likes of Joao Pedro, Estevao and Rayan will spend the week away from the English top flight representing their nation, Cunha will remain in Greater Manchester.
Speaking about the competition, which will see Brazil make a round-the-world trip, Ancelotti said: "We are excited to be there because there are a lot of fans in Australia of the national team of Brazil. We are going to play against a tough national team. Australia did really well in the World Cup and so we are excited to be there to show our qualities to the supporters."
While Cunha was part and parcel of Ancelotti's first-team at the World Cup in North America this summer, scoring three goals in five games, it appears as though the Italian has had a change of heart over the United talent.
However, Reds fans - while disheartened by being denied the opportunity to see their talent shine on the world stage later this month - may be content with regard to Cunha's lack of participation.
It means that they will not fret at the prospect of the forward, who can also operate as a No.10, risking injury or fatigue during one of his parent club's most important campaigns in recent history.
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United will hope to keep as many players fit as possible as they look to juggle domestic league football and cup competitions with the Champions League, starting with a trip to Sabah on Thursday evening.
That's considering a number of Michael Carrick's key players are still waiting in the wings to return as a result of a combination of knocks and long term issues.
Carlos Baleba is unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from an ankle ligament injury sustained this summer, and is yet to feature for the Reds since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, the Cameroonian midfielder is not far away from returning, and could be a part of the squad against his former club come Wednesday, September 16 in the Carabao Cup.
Amad has also been missing from the first-team for the duration of the season thus far, having picked up a knock in pre-season. Matthijs de Ligt, Tom Heaton and Manuel Ugarte are also unavailable against Sabah.