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Manchester United have reached a surprise deal with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rest striker Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season.
The move comes as a big boost for Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of the World Cup.
Champions League qualification allows for rotation
The decision to sideline the Brazil international follows United’s triumph against fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Cunha was instrumental in the victory over Liverpool, scoring an important goal to secure a victory that mathematically guaranteed the Red Devils a place in next season’s Champions League.
With their primary objective for the domestic campaign now accomplished, the club’s hierarchy feel they are in a position to help the Brazilian national team. The deal will see the number 10 sit out the final three games of the season to focus solely on his physical recovery. ESPN reports.
Management of adductor problems
Cunha has been struggling with adductor problems in recent weeks.
Although he has continued to feature for Michael Carrick’s side, even through the pain barrier against Liverpool, there are lingering concerns about the long-term risk of a more serious tear if he is not managed properly.
By removing him from the high-intensity environment of the Premier League run-in, United and CBF hope to ensure he arrives at the World Cup in 100 per cent fitness.
The tournament starts in just over a month, leaving little room for error in his rehabilitation process.
Ancelotti gave a big boost
The news will be music to Carlo Ancelotti’s ears.
The Brazilian boss has dealt with an escalating injury crisis in his squad and losing a starter like Cunha would have been a significant blow to the Seleção’s hopes of lifting the trophy.
Although the striker is technically available to play, the consensus between club and country is that prevention is better than cure.
This proactive approach marks a rare example of a major European club prioritizing international commitments over the final games of a league season.
Missing the season finale
As a result of this deal, Cunha will be absent from the squads for the upcoming matches against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
Those matches were supposed to be his last appearances before joining the national team camp, but he will now begin an individual training program instead.
United fans are likely to support the move given the player’s importance to the side and the fact that their league position is already secure.
All eyes will now turn to the medical staff to ensure the star man is ready for the biggest stage in world football.
