Manchester United star Matheus Cunha must prove he can be a solution after the failure of his rival Igor Thiago in Brazil's World Cup opener. Cunha was named on the bench for Brazil's first game of the tournament on Saturday, with Carlo Ancelotti selecting Brentford striker Igor Thiago to start instead.
Ancelotti's Decision Backfires
Ancelotti wanted someone up front who would make the ball stick. "For this game, Igor is strong, he's aggressive, he can fight for the ball in the air," the Italian manager explained. "I believe Igor can be good for the team in this game. It's the small details that determine which player is chosen." However, the decision backfired as Thiago struggled to get involved, making just 16 touches and completing five passes before being replaced in the 61st minute. He also missed a big chance in the first half, failing to turn a header home, and later faced sarcastic cheers when he failed to pull off a dummy.
Cunha's Impact from the Bench
Cunha offered more when he came onto the pitch, but Ancelotti still gave him an earful from the touchline, appearing to go ballistic at him for not being in certain positions during Brazil's attacks. Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco and know they must improve to go deep in the tournament. Ancelotti's side take on Haiti next, and which forward to pick down the middle will be at the forefront of his mind.
Options Up Front
Ancelotti will have to choose between Thiago, Cunha, Endrick, and Neymar, although the latter is currently nursing an ankle injury, making him unlikely to start against Haiti. Even if Neymar were at full fitness, he should not start over Cunha, who is more than capable of playing down the middle. The 27-year-old played centrally during his time at Wolves and has shown a tendency to drift inside when starting on the left wing since his move to Manchester.
Cunha's Form and Fit
Cunha has been an important part of a fluid attacking line under Michael Carrick at Manchester United, interchanging positions with Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to stretch opponents and create space. It was logical for Ancelotti to start Thiago against Morocco if the game plan hinged on fighting for the ball in the air, but it quickly became clear those tactics would not work against the African side. Brazil must keep the ball to reach the business stage of the World Cup, especially in energy-sapping temperatures, so Cunha should be selected.
Thiago failed to take the opportunity handed to him, and Cunha is a much better fit to link up play when the ball is on the deck. Brazil's best teams have certainly not been associated with lumping the ball to a big man. Cunha came into the World Cup in sparkling form, with seven of his 10 goals for United scored in the second half of the campaign, and his inclusion in the Brazil squad was never in doubt. He ended the season with a wonder goal at Stamford Bridge, a goal against Liverpool, and another on the penultimate day against Nottingham Forest. He is ready to contribute for Brazil.
Ancelotti is one of the wisest coaches in the game, so it would be a shock if he made the same mistake twice. United fans should be able to look forward to watching Cunha from the start in Brazil's next game.
