Manchester United have reportedly struck a deal with the Brazilian Football Federation to give Matheus Cunha a few weeks’ rest at the end of the season. Cunha returned from being sidelined to score in United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Brazilian missed United’s game against Brentford last week through injury, but has recovered enough to feature for Michael Carrick’s side in the win over Liverpool.
Victory against their fiercest rivals saw United qualify for next season’s Champions League with three games remaining.
As a result, ESPN Brazil reported that United had reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rest Cunha during the final three Premier League games of the season.
Reports say this is to give Cunha as much time as possible to recover and be in top condition to represent Brazil at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
United’s remaining three games will see them host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
It remains to be seen how much playing time Cunha will get in the remaining games this season, but if the aforementioned reports prove accurate and Cunha is rested during the run-in, Patrick Dorg’s return to fitness could give Carrick the opportunity to rest the Brazilian on the left side of the forward.
Cunha joined United from Wolves last summer for a fee worth £62.5m and found the back of the net nine times during his debut season with the Red Devils.
After scoring his ninth goal of the season against Liverpool, Cunha reflected on how he has adapted to life at United since joining from Wolves last year.
“Like I said, I feel like football represents life,” Cunha said after the win against Liverpool.
“Of course there will be tough times and we all need to be strong and wait for the good moments and then work hard and I feel it is only the beginning of the journey.
“But I have a lot to learn and a lot to keep going. I also have to help the team reach the level that I specifically want to achieve, and of course I have to help the group achieve together.”
