Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has reiterated that he is unfazed by being assigned the No.9 shirt for Brazil at the World Cup, after Neymar was given the iconic No.10. Cunha had been expected to inherit the No.10 if Neymar were omitted from the squad, but the veteran striker was selected by manager Carlo Ancelotti despite fitness concerns.
Cunha's reaction to shirt number
Speaking to TV Globo, Cunha downplayed the significance of the number on his back. “At my club, this is very normal [playing as a No.9], and I feel grateful for everything. I would do anything to be here, regardless of the shirt. I try to see the glass half full, so many great players have worn this shirt and performed well, I'm just another one trying to make history by scoring goals.”
He added: “The weight of the jersey is part of it. Seeing Brazil united behind the national team, so many streets are decorated. It's about wearing the jersey, understanding the weight it carries, and knowing it's a privilege.”
Performance in World Cup
Cunha started on the bench in Brazil's opening match against Morocco but was promoted to the starting lineup against Haiti, where he scored twice in a 3-0 victory. Reflecting on his role, he said: “I think I've become tougher, more mature, and I'm trying to live in the moment. The dream of being here is huge, I did everything to be here at the last World Cup, and God blessed me with being here, which is something I've always dreamed of.”
Brazil struggled in their draw against Morocco, but Ancelotti praised the improvement against Haiti: “It was what I expected. A game with fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack, more control in defence. Defensively, it was also a good game. We have improved, and we will improve in the next game.”
Cunha's season at Manchester United
Cunha also reflected on his debut season at United, where he contributed 10 goals and four assists. “I think it has been a positive season for the club. We have managed to get United back into the Champions League, and we hope to continue on this upward trajectory next season. We have a lot of confidence in our work.”
He added: “From day one I felt comfortable and was very well received by the players, the staff, and the fans. I managed to find the necessary peace of mind to give my best on the pitch, and that allowed me to have an excellent season. I am very happy and I hope to continue helping the club achieve great things.”
Cunha concluded: “We’re going to work hard to do justice to the shirt we wear and to the club’s rich history. That’s our promise to the fans. We want next season to be a season of triumphs.”
