Matheus Cunha will return to Manchester United soon after Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Norway in New Jersey. The defeat extends Brazil's wait for a sixth world title, having last won in 2002.
World Cup Heartbreak for Brazil
Few outside of Brazil can fully comprehend the pressure Cunha and his teammates have been under this summer. Fourth place in their home World Cup in 2014, ending in a 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany, is the closest they have come to glory in 24 years. On Sunday night, Norway advanced to face England in the quarter-finals, leaving Brazil to wait another four years.
"Without a doubt, today must be the most difficult day of my life - professionally speaking," a distraught Cunha admitted post-match. "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. 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."
Cunha's Impressive Tournament Performance
While the defeat hurts now, Cunha can be proud of his accomplishments. After coming off the bench in the opener, he started the 3-0 win over Haiti and scored a brace. He then added his third goal of the tournament in a comfortable 3-0 victory against Scotland.
Following Igor Thiago's poor display against Morocco in the opening match, Cunha earned his place in Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI as the centre forward. This came as no surprise to those tracking his national team performances.
Last November, the 27-year-old was asked about his favourite position. "My favourite position is to be on the pitch and help my team of course," Cunha replied. "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. I feel fine playing as a false nine, exactly, this kind of participation in the build-up and get on the ball more."
Versatility at Manchester United
Those opportunities to play the false nine role were few and far between for United last season. Under Ruben Amorim, Cunha played as one of the two No.10s, often behind Benjamin Sesko. When Amorim left in January and Michael Carrick reinstated the 4-2-3-1 system, Cunha was moved to the left. He performed well there, particularly in the absence of Patrick Dorgu and a lack of alternative options closed off the chance to play up front.
This summer, United are expected to strengthen their forward areas. A left winger is one of Carrick's priorities, and signing one would free Cunha to change position. He has shown this summer that he can be effective as a false nine, offering Carrick a new option down the middle.
New Tactical Option for Carrick
Sesko will be expected to lead the line when fit, but if that plan isn't working, United need to offer opposition defences something different. Cunha can provide that, and his versatility could prove a huge strength for United next season. The return of Champions League football means plenty of opportunities for Carrick to experiment with different systems, and the Brazil international will have given him food for thought.
In a summer when United need to spend substantially to bolster their ranks, finding solutions within the current squad is imperative. Cunha has shown he can be part of that solution for Carrick from August.
