Manchester United have reached a surprising agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation to rest star forward Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season. The move is a major boost for Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been concerned about the fitness of key players ahead of the World Cup.
The decision follows United's Champions League qualifying win over Liverpool on Sunday. Cunha scored a vital goal in that victory. With that objective achieved, the club will sit the number 10 out for the final three matches to focus on physical recovery, according to reports.
Cunha has been struggling with adductor problems in recent weeks. Although he played through the pain barrier against Liverpool, there are concerns about the risk of a more serious tear. By removing him from the high-intensity Premier League run-in, United and the CBF hope to ensure he arrives at the World Cup at 100 percent fitness. The tournament kicks off in just over a month.
This news will be music to the ears of Ancelotti, who has been dealing with an injury crisis within his squad. This proactive approach marks a rare instance of a major European club prioritizing international commitments over the final games of a league season.
As a result, Cunha will miss the final three matches against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton. He will now begin an individual training program instead. All eyes will now turn to the medical staff to ensure the star man is ready for the biggest stage in world football.