Cunha's striker role at World Cup could open the door for Rashford at United next season

Matheus Cunha’s versatility at the 2026 World Cup is quietly reshaping Manchester United’s attacking picture for next season — and it could work in Marcus Rashford’s favour.

Cunha began last season as a No. 10 under Ruben Amorim before shifting to the left wing under Michael Carrick. In Brazil’s World Cup campaign, however, Carlo Ancelotti has deployed him as a centre-forward, and the 27-year-old has responded with three goals. With Vinicius Jr and Rayan providing pace and directness out wide, Cunha has been able to drop deep, link play, and still threaten in the box — a role he has only fleetingly filled for United during in-game shifts by Carrick, who has largely preferred Benjamin Sesko or Bryan Mbeumo as his No. 9.

If Cunha were to take on that central role more regularly at club level next season, it would create a vacancy on the left wing — precisely where Rashford operates at his best. The 28-year-old’s camp have held positive talks with United ahead of a likely return in pre-season, and the possibility of reintegration into Carrick’s squad is growing. Rashford had been keen on a permanent move to Barcelona, but with the Catalan club opting to sign Anthony Gordon instead, thoughts of a Nou Camp return have faded. Staying at Old Trafford is now an increasingly realistic outcome.

Rashford’s quality has rarely been the issue; consistency has. He contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona last season but endured a flat spell in early 2026, and a similar pattern has emerged at the World Cup, where he has made more impact from the bench than as a starter. His last-32 showing against DR Congo, when he started, drew little praise, while Gordon’s two assists in the same game complicated his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans.

Still, Rashford’s direct running and ability to stretch defences would complement a striker who likes to receive the ball and play passes in behind — exactly the profile Cunha fits. It is a combination United could plausibly build around next season.

United are in the market to strengthen their left side regardless. Patrick Dorgu can play on the wing but may be needed at left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw, which underlines why a natural wide forward remains a priority. Rashford, for all the uncertainty surrounding him, knows the club and the system.

Both players still have immediate ambitions to attend to. Cunha’s Brazil face Norway in a last-16 tie, while Rashford and England take on Mexico in what promises to be a daunting knockout fixture.