Cunha nets twice as Brazilian media hail Man Utd striker indispensable to Selecao

Matheus Cunha scored twice on his first World Cup start to fire Brazil to a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, with Brazilian media subsequently declaring the Manchester United striker the present and future of the Selecao’s attack.

Cunha broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute after a sluggish opening, then doubled Brazil’s advantage in the 36th minute before Vinicius Junior added a third deep into first-half stoppage time. The result was particularly significant given Brazil had been held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening group fixture under Carlo Ancelotti.

Brentford’s Igor Thiago had led the Brazilian line against Morocco but was replaced by Cunha for the Haiti clash. The tactical switch drew widespread praise from the Brazilian press. Correio Braziliense noted that Cunha became the 15th different player to score under Ancelotti’s management and highlighted his versatility despite wearing the No. 9 shirt.

“Although he wears the No. 9 shirt, he is far from being a classic centre forward,” the newspaper wrote. “He leaves the area, participates in the build-up play and brings the different sectors closer together. In his first game as a starter in a World Cup, however, he was also opportunistic like a true goalscorer.”

The report also drew a direct comparison with Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign, noting: “In 2022, Richarlison scored two against Serbia. This time, it was Cunha’s turn to take centre stage.”

O Globo invited its writers to name Brazil’s standout performer, and while Vinicius Junior received votes, Cunha emerged as a firm favourite among the panel. One columnist wrote: “He came into the team and did everything that was expected of him after a great season with Manchester United. He helped to give fluidity and movement to the attack and clicked with Vini.”

The 27-year-old’s display will carry significant weight beyond the tournament itself. His form at United this past season had already elevated his profile, and a brace on the World Cup stage — with Brazil’s media framing him as indispensable — reinforces his standing as one of the most valuable forwards in European football heading into the summer.