Add as preferred source on Google Matheus Cunha has become Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical trump card for Brazil, and he was deployed in a new position again vs Croatia.
Brazil came through their second fixture of the international break with a 3-1 win against Croatia after losing to France in their first game.
Matheus Cunha was played as a striker/winger in that loss to France, and he played in another new position in the win against Croatia.
The Man Utd forward looked great against Croatia, and Carlo Ancelotti’s recent experiment can be a boost for Carrick.
Photo by MIGUEL J RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / AFP via Getty Images
And how far will they make it?👀
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha’s selfless midfield role for Brazil
Grafter and runner are not two terms you would generally use to describe Cunha’s playing style.
However, his work rate has improved immensely since arriving at Old Trafford, which is also why he has started flourishing playing as a wide winger under Michael Carrick.
After impressing in a split striker setup against France, Ancelotti ramped up the challenge for Cunha, deploying him on the left side of a midfield three against Croatia.
He was stationed behind Vinicius Jr and tasked with doing the running for the Real Madrid attacker off the ball, then attacking the left channel in possession.
Cunha made a lot of recovery runs during the game to plug the gaps in defence, and his long pass from deep in his own half resulted in a goal for Brazil.
In just one game, Cunha showed the hardworking, playmaking facet of his rapidly developing game, adding to Ancelotti’s tactical options.
The Brazilian press praised his ‘mobile’ efforts after the game, and the selflessness with which he executed Ancelotti’s tactical instructions should fill Carrick with a lot of confidence.
Cunha’s new role is a boost for Michael Carrick
Cunha’s stint as a split striker vs France was a boost for Carrick, and so is his new midfield role.
What is your verdict on Matheus Cunha’s debut season for Man United?
Getty Images
The Brazilian has always had those maverick qualities to turn the game around with a moment of magic, but now he’s adding graft to it.
For Ancelotti to trust Cunha with a selfless running role in midfield speaks volumes about how the “maverick” of Wolves has become the talisman of his side.
When quality on the ball is combined with work off it, you turn from a maverick to someone like Bruno Fernandes, who leads by example.
Carrick has just been given another talisman in his Man Utd squad due to Cunha’s evolution from a moody maverick to a grafting talisman.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox