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Manchester United have reached a surprising deal with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rest star striker Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season.
The move comes as a major boost for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is sweating the fitness of several key players ahead of the World Cup.
Qualification for the Champions League allows for rotation
The decision to sideline the Brazil international follows United’s triumph on Sunday over fierce rivals Liverpool.
Cunha was instrumental in the victory against Liverpool, scoring a vital goal to secure a victory that mathematically guaranteed the Red Devils a place in next season’s Champions League.
With their main goal for the domestic campaign now achieved, the club’s hierarchy feel in a position to help the Brazilian national team. The agreement foresees that the number 10 will miss the last three matches of the season to concentrate entirely on his physical recovery. ESPN reports.
Managing adductor problems
Cunha has suffered from adductor problems in recent weeks.
Although he has continued to play for Michael Carrick’s side, even battling through pain against Liverpool, concerns remain over the long-term risk of a more serious tear if he is not managed properly.
By removing him from the high-intensity environment of Premier League competition, United and the CBF hope to ensure he arrives at the World Cup 100% fit.
The tournament is scheduled to begin in just over a month, leaving little room for error in his rehabilitation process.
Ancelotti receives major boost
The news will be music to Carlo Ancelotti’s ears.
The Brazil boss is facing a growing injury crisis within his squad, and losing a starter like Cunha would have been a major blow to the Seleção’s hopes of winning the trophy.
Even though the striker is technically available to play, the consensus between club and country is that it is better to be safe than sorry.
This proactive approach represents a rare example of a major European club prioritizing international commitments over the final matches of a league season.
Miss the season finale
As a result of the deal, Cunha will be absent from the matchday squads for upcoming matches against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
These matches were to be his last appearances before joining the national team camp, but he will now begin an individual training program.
United fans will likely support the move given the player’s importance to the team and the fact that his league position is already secure.
All eyes will now be on the medical staff to ensure the star man is ready for the biggest stage in world football.
