Cunha’s Two Goals Against Haiti Prove Brazil Made the Right Call Starting Him

Matheus Cunha walked into Philadelphia Stadium on Friday with something to prove. Ten days earlier, he watched Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco from the bench, only to be thrown into the second half of a frustrating 1-1 draw. No goals, no assists — but the Brazilian media still gave him decent marks for effort. On Friday, the 27-year-old Manchester United forward didn’t just show up. He put on a masterclass.

With Brazil desperate for a win after dropping points in their first group match, Carlo Ancelotti made two changes to the starting XI. Danilo slotted into the back line, replacing Roger Ibanez. And up front, Igor Thiago got the hook so Cunha could make his first World Cup start. The move paid off almost immediately.

Cunha’s First Goal Was Pure Opportunism

In the 23rd minute, Vinicius Junior fired a shot that Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide could only parry. The ball spilled right into Cunha’s path, and he reacted first. Replays showed the goal took a bit of luck — Markhus Lacroix’s attempted clearance deflected off Cunha and into the net. But that’s the thing about poachers. They’re in the right place, and they don’t apologize.

Before halftime, Cunha reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the more versatile forwards in the game. Vinicius slipped him a through ball, and Cunha ripped an exquisite finish into the roof of the net. It was the kind of goal that makes you forget the lucky one. By the time Vinicius added a third on the stroke of halftime, the game was essentially over.

A Partnership That Could Stick

Cunha played as the focal point of Brazil’s attack, and the chemistry with Vinicius was impossible to ignore. The two connected on both of Cunha’s goals, and Ancelotti has to be smiling at what he saw. Cunha finished with 41 touches, 29 passes at 86% accuracy, and zero dribbles. That last stat might raise eyebrows, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. He won four of five duels, registered two tackles and an interception, and drew a foul. More importantly, he scored two goals that put Brazil top of Group C.

Ederson, the Atletico Mineiro midfielder who’s reportedly agreed to join United this summer, came on for his World Cup debut in the 81st minute. He completed all three passes he attempted but also missed a big chance. That’s a footnote for another day. The headline here is Cunha.

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Cunha has bounced between roles — central striker under Ruben Amorim, then more of a hybrid forward under Michael Carrick. He finished the season with 10 goals and four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, helping United lock down third place in the Premier League. For a guy who started the season as Wolves’ castoff, that’s not bad.

Now United fans will be watching his World Cup run closely. If this performance is any indication, Cunha could come back to Manchester with the kind of confidence that separates good players from great ones. And if that connection with Vinicius continues to develop? Brazil might not just win Group C. They might be real contenders.