Matheus Cunha could be about to get a taste of his next challenge at Manchester United as Brazil intensify their World Cup preparations, but the forward might find himself out of the starting XI.
Cunha's Versatility at United
Matheus Cunha enjoyed a good first season at Manchester United after his £62.5 million move from Wolves, yet it still feels like we are no closer to knowing his best position. That is not necessarily a problem, but versatile players often fill gaps rather than securing a settled spot. Cunha can play on either flank, as a striker, or as an attacking midfielder. Under Ruben Amorim, he slotted into one of the two No. 10 roles, but since Michael Carrick took over, his role has become less clear-cut.
The Brazilian was an impact substitute in Carrick's first two games, scoring off the bench against Manchester City and Arsenal. An injury to Patrick Dorgu then gave him a route into the team on the left wing. When Dorgu returned on the final day of the season, Cunha was back on the bench. His performances on the left were generally good, although he did not hold his width like a natural winger. The 27-year-old seems more at home in central areas.
Brazil's Central Battle
That is where he has generally played for Brazil, featuring centrally during friendlies from October leading into the World Cup. He has started six of those eight games but is in danger of losing his place. With Raphinha and Vinicius Jr seemingly guaranteed to start out wide, the battle is for the central role. There is a growing campaign in Brazil for Brentford striker Igor Thiago to start.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has tried to make a system involving Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, and Cunha work, but some believe that does not provide the focal point needed in a 4-3-3, with Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta behind. Thiago is a more natural No. 9, and teenager Endrick is also stating his case, having scored the winner against Egypt in a friendly. After that game, Ancelotti discussed the different strengths of his central attackers.
"Endrick has that quality, he is very powerful, very well positioned in the box, he takes the opportunity and scores," Ancelotti said. "He is an important player for us. All the players are important, with different characteristics. Matheus does not finish like Endrick, but he is important in building the game."
That will be the balance for the former Real Madrid boss to strike. Does he need Cunha's impact in building play, or does he want a No. 9 likely to score more goals and play inside the penalty area? If it is the latter, it could spell bad news for the United forward.
Implications for United
Perhaps that will be an insight into what awaits Cunha at Old Trafford next season, as he tries to nail down a place in Carrick's best side. He will face more competition from Dorgu on the left, while United have not ruled out signing another winger. Cunha could be considered a false nine in some fixtures and could stand in for Bruno Fernandes occasionally, so he will get plenty of games. But will he suffer for his versatility? A big World Cup in a central position could be food for thought, as long as he can stay in Ancelotti's team.
