Brazil’s Matheus Cunha: “The difficulties you encounter will make you stronger”

Matheus Cunha (João Pessoa, Brazil, 1999) is playing in his first World Cup with the enthusiasm of a child. Left out of Qatar 2022 for technical reasons, he has now become one of Carlo Ancelotti’s untouchables with Brazil. It is hardly surprising. In his first season at Manchester United, he has already become a fan favorite, playing a decisive role under Michael Carrick as the club secured a return to the Champions League. Brazil is chasing a sixth World Cup title, and Cunha dreams of lifting the trophy on July 19.

The Brazil international and Red Devils star spoke to AS about his season, the mood within the Brazilian camp and the impact Ancelotti has had on the national team.

Your first year at United was a roller coaster. How did you experience it?

When I decided to accept United’s project, I was already aware of the size of the club and everything that comes with it. I think it has been a positive season for the club. We 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.

You were practically one of the few untouchables under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. What has been the key to that success?

I think it has been the perfect combination. From day one, I felt comfortable and was welcomed incredibly well by the players, the staff and the fans. I found the peace of mind I needed to perform at my best on the field, and that allowed me to have an excellent season. I’m very happy and hope to keep helping the club achieve great things.

You are a natural leader, to the point where some already see you as a future captain. Can you picture yourself wearing the armband?

Honestly, I don’t think about that. My priority is helping the club and giving my best on the field. The armband is a consequence of what we do on the pitch. We are very well served by our current captains.

“Casemiro is one of the great players in our game and he would undoubtedly help us a lot”

Matheus Cunha

Did you try to convince Casemiro to stay another season in Manchester?

I did, and so did the entire Manchester United fan base. Casemiro is one of the great players in our game and he would undoubtedly help us a lot if he stayed. He was one of the players who welcomed me with open arms when I arrived, and I’m very grateful for that. If I could, I would keep him here for another year. I wish him every success in whatever comes next.

Is United the Real Madrid of England? Can fans dream of Champions League success at Old Trafford?

We are going to work hard to honor the shirt we wear and the incredible history of this club. That is our promise to the fans. We want next season to be a season of success.

United is back in Europe and Carrick worked wonders. Are you ready to challenge for the Premier League?

In the final stretch of last season, we produced excellent results and performances against the teams at the top of the table, which allowed us to secure a Champions League place. We understand the stature of this club and where it belongs. If everyone pulls together and works for the good of the club, we hope to get Manchester United back on the path to winning.

Despite recent results, nobody can ever write Brazil off at a World Cup. Could the fact that you are not considered favorites actually make you favorites?

Honestly, we don’t think about that. We know the weight of the shirt we wear and what it represents around the world. We have to focus on working hard and giving everything during games. The World Cup demands 100 percent attention and commitment.

“Hopefully Neymar can help us with all of his talent”

Matheus Cunha

Were you surprised by Neymar’s call-up? What does having him back with Brazil mean?

Neymar being called up should never surprise anyone. He is a player whose quality speaks for itself. Hopefully he can help us with all of his talent.

How has Ancelotti changed the atmosphere around the Brazilian national team? What have you learned from these months under him?

He is a coach whose résumé speaks for itself. He is extremely intelligent in training, in organizing the team and in managing the day-to-day environment. We are very happy to have a coach of his caliber. His work has helped us a great deal.

Casemiro said this World Cup will be more about Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha than Neymar. Do you agree?

They are players of enormous quality and they prove it every day with their clubs. They are in a great moment and are among the best in the world because of what they have achieved over the last few years, showing every season that they can decide games. We have outstanding players, but we need to be strong collectively if we want to achieve our dream.

You are competing with Endrick for a place. Have you given him any advice? Who has surprised you most in this Brazil squad?

Endrick is a very talented young player who works hard every day. He is another of the great talents we have in the national team, just like Rayan.

“Endrick is a very talented young player ... just like Rayan”

Matheus Cunha

How will the absences of players such as Estêvão, Rodrygo and Éder Militão affect the team?

They are players who have been involved throughout much of the cycle and they will certainly be missed. Brazil is a factory of great footballers, and I am sure we are very well covered in every position.

Who do you see as the favorite to win the World Cup? What do you think of Spain? And of Lamine Yamal?

Spain is a very strong team. They have been building toward this for a long time and are undoubtedly one of the sides arriving at the World Cup in excellent shape.

What advice would you give to that young Matheus who moved to Europe and later left Atlético Madrid while fighting for a place at the Qatar World Cup? Was the sacrifice worth it?

Keep dreaming, keep fighting and keep working to make all your dreams come true. The difficulties you encounter will make you stronger. Always trust in the work you have put in. The journey is always worth it.

If we meet again four years from now, before the 2030 World Cup, how will your career have evolved?

I’ll save that answer for 2030 (laughs).

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