Matheus Cunha
Man UtdCF
Playmaking Forward
May 27, 1999 (27)
Right
6'0"
168 lb
Two shots during draw
Matheus Cunha had two shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Cunha took a pair of shots during Sunday's draw, but he failed to put either of them on target. The striker was generally wasteful with his chances to get on the ball and couldn't really trouble the net throughout the match. He's still shown a good eye for goal, so one poor match certainly doesn't change anything, but it's a disappointing match against a beatable side.
Assists and wins penalty in 5-2 win
Matheus Cunha assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 5-2 victory versus Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Matheus Cunha assisted Bruno Fernandes for Manchester United's first goal and won the penalty that gave him his second of the game. After a World Cup campaign where he scored three goals, he is still waiting on his first goal of the season. He finished last year with 10 goals and provided two assists. The winger has created two chances in each of the two Premier League games this season.
Plays 80 minutes in opener
Cunha took three shots (one on goal), crossed three times inaccurately and created two chances during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Hull City.
Analysis: Cunha was held off the scoresheet while firing the second most shots on the team during the upset loss. The forward had 12 goal involvements across 33 appearances last campaign and was selected ahead of Benjamin Sesko to lead the line Saturday.
Scores penalty in shootout win
Cunha played 30 minutes in Wednesday's friendly win over Leeds United and scored a penalty in the shootout, the club posted.
Analysis: Cunha scored three goals across five appearances for Brazil at the World Cup and finished last season with 10 Premier League goals and two assists across 33 appearances in his debut campaign at United. This early cameo, and successful penalty, is an encouraging sign heading into the new 2026/27 Premier League season, and he should hold a decent role in United's attack this year as coach Michael Carrick looks to build a more productive campaign around him following a solid first year in Old Trafford.
Clears illness
Cunha cleared the illness that kept him out of Manchester United's traveling squad for the PSG match in Gothenburg and is fit to train, the club posted.
Analysis: Cunha scored three goals across five appearances for Brazil at the World Cup and finished last season with 10 Premier League goals and two assists across 33 appearances in his debut campaign at United. His clean bill of health now shifts focus to preseason preparations, and he should hold a decent role heading into 2026/27 as he looks to build on a productive first year at the club.
Absent due to illness
Cunha (illness) is left out of Manchester United's 22 man squad to face PSG in Gothenburg after falling ill, according to the club.
Analysis: Cunha remained at Carrington to complete his recovery from a minor illness and did not travel with the squad for the initial phase of the preseason camp. The forward returned for preseason after scoring three goals across five appearances for Brazil at the World Cup, arriving sharp off a productive debut campaign that included 10 Premier League goals and two assists across 33 league appearances. The absence is considered a minor setback, with Cunha expected to join the squad in the Republic of Ireland next week once fully recovered.
Reports for preseason training
Cunha has returned to Carrington for preseason ahead of the 2026-27 season, the club announced.
Analysis: Cunha scored three goals across five appearances for Brazil at the World Cup before the team's early exit, arriving sharp off the back of a solid debut United campaign in which he scored 10 Premier League goals with two assists across 33 games, his ability to play as a central forward or off the front giving coach Michael Carrick added flexibility. That combination of club and international form has him well positioned heading into the new campaign, and Cunha is expected to remain a focal point of United's attack as preseason continues.
Makes three clearances in loss
Matheus Cunha had one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-1 loss versus Norway.
Analysis: Cunha made his most clearances during the World Cup, but it wasn't enough to avoid Brazil's disappointing Round of 16 loss. The Manchester United forward had a pretty quiet outing with only seven passes over 58 minutes. He finished the campaign with three goals in 11 shots in five appearances (four starts).
Takes three shots vs Japan
Cunha generated three shots (one on goal) in Monday's 2-1 win against Japan.
Analysis: Cunha took the second-most shots for Brazil before subbing off in the 66th minute. The forward had scored three goals in their previous two games. He will now look to find the back of the net again in Round of 16 play versus Norway or Ivory Coast.
Scores in second win
Matheus Cunha scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-0 victory versus Scotland.
Analysis: Cunha scored in the second half to seal Brazil's second win to finish group stage on top of Morocco. The Manchester United forward has three goals in three appearances (two starts). He took the second-most shots for his side during the match.
Decisive goal seals top spot
Cunha scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Scotland.
Analysis: Cunha scored Brazil's third goal in the 60th minute, guiding home the simplest of finishes after Bruno Guimaraes' composed pass through Scotland's lines left him unmarked in front of an empty net. He was a persistent threat throughout the game, firing five shots and creating one chance on the night as Brazil dominated with an expected goals figure of 4.46. Cunha's goal sealed Brazil's 3-0 win and secured top spot in Group C, sending the five-time champions into the Round of 32.
Scores brace versus Haiti
Matheus Cunha scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 3-0 victory against Haiti.
Analysis: Cunha started and scored twice in the first half to pave Brazil's way to their first win. The Manchester United's forward was deadly accurate, scoring in his only two shots during the match before subbing off in the 64th minute. He's also being helpful on defense with four tackles in their two games. After coming off the bench in the debut against Morocco, Cunha is set to remain in the starting XI versus Scotland on Jun 24.
Brace Friday night
Cunha recorded two goals on two shots in Friday's 3-0 win over Haiti.
Analysis: Cunha would enter the starting XI Friday after a bench role in the opener and didn't disappoint, as the attacker recorded two goals. He started in the 23rd minute when a fortunate bounce found him and the back of the net for the opener, then scored again just 13 minutes later from a Vinicius Junior assist. He should then maintain the starting role as they approach their group stage finale, likely to have beaten out Igor Thiago.
Could be regular starter for Brazil
Cunha could be a regular starter for Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Brazil's lone true striker in the squad is 19-year-old forward Endrick, so Cunha might be asked to deploy in that position with the support of Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and potentially Neymar (thigh) behind him. Cunha has played as a striker in the past, and he's coming off a successful season with Manchester United, tallying 10 goals and two assists in 33 EPL outings (29 starts) in 2025/26. Cunha's versatility and ability to play across the attacking third should give him consistent minutes regardless of his role.
Finds back of net
Cunha scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and four chances created in Sunday's 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Cunha was back on the scoresheet Sunday as he found the back of the net in the 55th minute, his club's second goal of the contest. This marks a third goal in his past five outings, with 18 shots during that span. He is up to 10 goals and two assists in 33 appearances (29 starts) this campaign.
Scores Sunday
Matheus Cunha scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 3-2 win versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Cunha found the back of the net during Sunday's win, a heroic goal to earn all three points in the rivalry. The striker has been inconsistent, but with United finding their footing of late he's had the chance to shine. If the United attack keeps operating at its best, Cunha should have plenty of upside.
Starts Sunday
Cunha (hip) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Liverpool.
Analysis: Cunha was seemingly working towards a return Sunday, and that has come to fruition, as the attacker is now starting immediately. The club now gains back an elusive winger who will create more pressure in the final third, spreading out the defense further to cover their multiple options. He should remain a starter to end the season, recording eight goals and two assists in 30 appearances (26 starts) this season.
Hopeful to face Liverpool
Cunha (hip flexor) is hopeful for Sunday's match against Liverpool, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we're hopeful. We're not sure, but we're hopeful."
Analysis: Cunha was training Thursday, which is leading to a potential return, as the attacker appears to be a late call for Sunday. He will likely need to train over the next two days before a fitness test ahead of the match, with that deciding if he is fit to play. With the forward an integral part of the team this season, they will hope to have him as an option, starting in 26 of his 30 appearances while recording eight goals and two assists.
Trains Thursday
Cunha (groin) trained Thursday and is a potential option for Sunday's match against Liverpool, according to his club.
Analysis: Cunha is working towards being an option again, as the attacker has rejoined his teammates in training. This leaves him just needing to boost his fitness level to play against Liverpool, having a further two days to recover. With his 10-goal contributions, he has been a major part of the team this season, likely to be inserted back into the starting XI immediately once he is fit enough.
Out as expected
Cunha (groin) is out for Monday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Cunha is not with his teammates Monday as expected after no progress was made in his groin recovery. He will now look ahead to their massive game against Liverpool on Sunday, needing to have their best options available for the win. The club does miss the Brazilian when he is out, recording 10 goal contributions in 30 appearances (26 starts).
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare