Manchester United make Matheus Cunha promise ahead of World Cup

Manchester United's Matheus Cunha during the game vs Liverpool in May 2026
Matheus Cunha will not play for Manchester United again this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United have secured Champions League qualification already and have very little to play for in the final few games of the season.

Michael Carrick has done an incredible job since taking over partway through the season and the Red Devils are now almost guaranteed to finish third in the final Premier League table.

Manchester United will allow Matheus Cunha to rest ahead of World Cup

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According to a report from ESPN in Brazil, Cunha will be relieved of all duties for Man United over the final three games of the league season.

The Brazilian attacker has struggled with adductor problems recently and even played through the pain barrier in the win over Liverpool.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick speaks to forward Matheus Cunha

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick speaks to forward Matheus Cunha (Image credit: Getty Images)

Now, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Man United are thought to have come to an agreement that the 26-year-old will not be risked ahead of the World Cup.

Cunha, who has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, should be a key player for Carlo Ancelotti's side this summer.

While Cunha is physically able to play, it's believed Carrick will not take any risks with the player's fitness this month.

Interestingly, Brazil's representatives and Cunha's own press office have denied any such agreement.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have also claimed they have no knowledge of this decision.

Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha celebrate during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier between Brazil and Paraguay

Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha (Image credit: Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Cunha has been a standout star for United since his £62.80m move from Wolves last summer, with nine goals and four assists in 31 league matches.

He has 21 caps for Brazil and should add to that tally in the States this summer, especially given the likes of Rodrygo are going to miss the tournament.

Matheus Cunha is currently valued at €70m, as per Transfermarkt. Manchester United are next in action in the Premier League against Sunderland on Saturday, May 9.

Jakob Barnes
Freelance Writer

Jakob has over 11 years of experience in journalism across sports, entertainment, tech, and politics. Now a freelance news writer for FourFourTwo, he covers the biggest stories from the world of football.

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