Cunha's World Cup ends in Brazil heartbreak but opens new door at Manchester United

Matheus Cunha’s summer with Brazil is over after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in New Jersey on Sunday eliminated the five-time world champions at the round of 16, but the Manchester United forward can return to Old Trafford with his reputation significantly enhanced.

Cunha was visibly devastated after the final whistle, admitting it was the hardest moment of his professional career. “Without a doubt, today must be the most difficult day of my life — professionally speaking,” he said. “We had chances we didn’t convert, while they had chances and converted them. It’s difficult to try and understand everything, but unfortunately that’s part of football.”

He added: “There is a lot of sadness in the dressing room — a lot of crying, a lot of pain. The worst thing is that we frustrated a lot of people, and that’s what hurts the most.”

Despite the painful exit, Cunha’s individual tournament was a strong one. He came off the bench in Brazil’s opener before starting the 3-0 win over Haiti, where he scored twice. He added a third goal in an equally comfortable victory over Scotland. Crucially, after Igor Thiago’s underwhelming display against Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti handed Cunha a starting berth as the central striker — a role he has long identified as his preferred one.

Last November, Cunha outlined his ideal function on the pitch. “Right now in Brazil, I have a different job to come a little bit and help the team in the build-up and attack as a striker,” he explained. “I feel fine playing as a false nine, exactly, this kind of participation in the build-up and get on the ball more.”

That opportunity rarely materialised at United last season. Under Ruben Amorim, Cunha operated as one of two number tens, frequently behind Benjamin Sesko. When Amorim departed in January and Michael Carrick restored a 4-2-3-1 system, Cunha was shifted to the left flank — a position he filled capably, in part because Patrick Dorgu’s absence left Carrick with limited alternatives.

The dynamic could shift this summer. United are expected to invest in their forward line, with a left winger among Carrick’s priorities. If that signing arrives, it would free Cunha to operate further up the pitch in the central role where he has just demonstrated, on the biggest stage in international football, that he genuinely thrives.