Manchester United stars Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were under the spotlight as Brazil came out on top against Croatia

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have both been praised in the Brazilian media for their role in the Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Croatia. Carlo Ancelotti’s final preparation ahead of this summer’s World Cup came against his former player Luka Modric’s nation.

Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to France last week, Brazil bounced back with a dominant display against Croatia in Orlando, Florida. Danilo broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time for Brazil, though the substitutes were the key difference makers late on.

Endrick won a penalty which was converted by Igor Thiago in the 88th minute while also providing the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time goal. But, amid all the fresh faces, the more experienced Manchester United midfield duo of Casemiro and Cunha still earned plaudits for their performances.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Brazilian outlet Grupo Globo gave the former a match rating of 6/10, while fans gave him a somewhat harsh 5.4/10. Still, the captain’s impact was described positively, with the publication saying: “As usual, he ran a lot to close down spaces and recover balls – some of them in the attacking half, important for launching counter-attacks.

“He received a yellow card for a foul on Budimir at the edge of the penalty area. He left the field in the first round of substitutions, in the 15th minute of the second half.”

Grupo Globo also handed Cunha a rating of 7/10, while fans gave him a 6.4/10. They wrote: “Important both with and without the ball. He worked hard to close down the left side of the defence, thus allowing Vini Jr. more freedom.

“In the 35th minute of the first half, he delivered a great pass to João Pedro, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Then, in stoppage time, he initiated a counter-attack with a beautiful long pass, leading to the first goal.”

However, the outlet went on to say that Cunha may be dropped from the starting line-up for the World Cup 2026. They claimed Ancelotti may try to fit Raphinha, currently injured, into Cunha’s preferred role behind the centre-forward ahead of the United playmaker.

Cunha and Raphinha had started against France in the previous game together, with Cunha being used centrally in a fluid front four, while Raphinha played out wide. The Barcelona man is racing to return for the World Cup, having picked up a hamstring injury in that fixture.

Meanwhile, ESPN Brasil deemed Casemiro’s performance worthy of a 6/10, saying: “As usual, he was solid in midfield and earned a rest for Fabinho’s entrance.”

They handed Cunha an improved 6.5/10, adding: “Good plays as a more mobile attacker, saw Livakovic make a beautiful save in the first half.”

Estadao singled out both players’ performances, saying: “The midfield functioned well and the game flowed better with Danilo alongside Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in inspired form. The four-striker formation was repeated. The difference is that Cunha, playing as a playmaker, found spaces to set up his attacking teammates.”

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

England Official Store

Buy Now on England Official Store

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Manchester United’s Casemiro and Matheus Cunha began their national team duty with a loss ahead of the World Cup this summer

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha couldn’t stop Brazil from falling to a 2-1 loss to France in a glamorous friendly clash.

The Manchester United duo both started for Carlo Ancelotti in Thursday’s match at Gillette Stadium – the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Playing in front of a crowd of 66,215 attendees, the turnout was the largest to watch a football match at the Foxborough ground since Brazil’s friendly against Mexico in 2007.

The Selecao came out on top in the match 19 years ago, but history failed to repeat itself with the five-time World Cup winners losing to Didier Deschamps’ team. It was Kylian Mbappe who opened the scoring in the first-half with a delightful chip over Ederson before Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike doubled the scoring with a similar finish past the ex-Manchester City goalkeeper.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Brazil managed to pull a goal back through defender Gleison Bremer but couldn’t muster up enough to level the scoring with France earning a confidence-boosting win ahead of the biggest tournament in international football this summer.

Casemiro played 84 minutes with Cunha lasting 71 minutes in a disappointing night for the South American giants. Brazilian media outlets had their say on the performances from the United pair who’ve enjoyed recent success at club level.

Globo

Casemiro – the captain of Brazil – was playing his 83rd game for his country but was awarded a mere 5/10 by newspaper Globo, which lamented his role in France’s opener. The 34-year-old was dispossessed by Aurelien Tchouameni before Ousmane Dembele’s through ball gave Mbappe an easy finish in the box.

Despite his error, the outlet also focused on some of the better aspects of his 84 minutes on the pitch. They wrote: “He faltered on France’s first goal, being dispossessed and giving rise to the counter-attack.

“On the other hand, he was important both with and without the ball. He made good passes, attempted shots, and worked hard to close down spaces and make tackles.” Cunha was also given a 5/10 rating with Globo taking aim at his lack of potency in the final third.

They added: “He moved around a lot to provide passing options and help create plays. He only took one shot, in the 34th minute of the first half, from outside the penalty area.”

ESPN Brasil

ESPN Brasil was also on hand to react to the defeat with Casemiro once again given a 5/10 rating. The outlet slammed his reaction after partially gifting France their opening goal. They commented: “He was dominating the midfield until he made the mistake that led to the counter-attack and Mbappe’s goal, which opened the scoring. He had moments of losing control with the referee and a rather discreet performance until the end.”

Cunha was handed an identical rating by the outlet, which took exception to his lack of threat in front of goal. The report analysed: “Good runs and ball control, but without contributing as much to the attack as one would expect from someone in his position. Only one shot in the first half, which went wide to Maignan’s left.”

Folha de S.Paulo

Folha de S.Paulo echoed the sentiments of their fellow national media outlets in bemoaning the minimal action France’s Mike Maignan had to deal with despite a star-studded attacking line-up, including Cunha.

They wrote: “The quartet formed by Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli hardly gave the French goalkeeper Mike Maignan any trouble.” They did mention the key role Cunha played in the red card handed to Dayot Upamecano.

They also added: “The defender received a yellow card after fouling Matheus Cunha at the edge of the area. After reviewing the play on video, the referee opted to send off the defender directly, considering it a clear goal-scoring opportunity.”

Estedao

Cunha – who has scored just seven goals in 30 games across all competitions for United this season – has failed to show the same form he displayed at Wolves as Estedao analysed his failure in turning the game on its head, alongside his fellow forwards.

They said: “Raphinha, Vini, and Martinelli moved around a lot, but did little. With four forwards – Matheus Cunha being the other – there was no one to orchestrate the game, to speed up or slow down the pace when necessary. Poor decisions in finishing plays cost the Brazilian team dearly, who shot five times and missed the target in all of them in the first half.”

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

England Official Store

Buy Now on England Official Store

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Patrick Dorgu found form after the arrival of Michael Carrick but he has missed Man United’s last six games through injury.

When a player is out injured, one of two things usually happens: either a teammate takes their chance and displaces them in the starting XI, or everyone begins to realise just how important the injured player really is.

Patrick Dorgu arrived at Old Trafford in January 2025. The Denmark international was signed to help the transition to a 3-4-2-1 formation, and while he was better suited to left wing-back than Luke Shaw, he still didn’t look great.

Strangely, it was under Ruben Amorim’s watch that we saw how Dorgu could have a future at United. On Boxing Day, the 21-year-old was moved to the right wing due to Bryan Mbeumo and Amad’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, as Amorim tweaked his formation. Dorgu didn’t just fill in on the right, he excelled.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

He scored his first goal for the club that night, a stunning effort to beat Newcastle, but that was merely a taster. Upon Amorim’s exit, Dorgu was again moved into attack. He bagged an assist at Burnley before two key goals against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Dorgu, his momentum was curtailed at the Emirates Stadium. He was forced off with what initially seemed to be a minor issue, only for Michael Carrick to confirm his hamstring injury would keep him out for a lengthy period.

In his absence, Matheus Cunha stepped in and he scored the winner at Arsenal, following it up a week later with a strike against Fulham. But he has not scored since and United are starting to see some issues with Cunha on the wing. The Brazil international is always looking to cut inside, unsurprisingly considering he prefers to play centrally.

“My favourite position is to be on the pitch and help my team of course,” he said during the November international break. “Right now in Brazil, I have a different job to come a little bit and help the team in the build-up and attack as a striker. I feel fine playing as a false nine, exactly, this kind of participation in the build-up and get on the ball more.”

But his desire to come inside has caused problems, and it’s tough to see who else could play on the left. Carrick has said Amad can play there, but he has only played the role a handful of times during his career.

Carrick recently stressed United have ‘very good options’ across the frontline but conceded a left winger will be on the club’s radar in the summer transfer window. It is understood RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is an option but, realistically, United will need Champions League football to sign him.

While United wait for the transfer window to open, Dorgu’s stock continues to rise.

At St James’ Park this week, United only had Amad and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench to offer an attacking threat. There was no alternative attacking replacement on the left.

If you had said at the beginning of the season that United would look weaker without Dorgu, plenty would have questioned how you came to that conclusion. But it’s true, and the sooner he is back, the better.

Matheus Cunha started as Man Utd won 2-1 against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Carrick has revealed he spoke to Matheus Cunha during the win over Crystal Palace about when to play wide and when to come inside. Carrick was spotted talking to Cunha during a stoppage in play in the first half.

The Manchester United head coach appeared to pass on tactical information to the forward. In the second half, Cunha won a penalty, which ultimately changed the game when Maxence Lacroix was sent off.

Bruno Fernandes converted the spot kick and Benjamin Sesko scored a winner to wrap up another win for Carrick, who has won 19 points from a possible 21 since his interim appointment.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Carrick was asked about his exchange with Cunha during his post-match press conference. “Just getting the balance about when to play inside a little, when to play outside a little, and when to make the runs in behind,” he said when asked what he told the Brazilian.

“Again, Matheus thinks a lot about the game, he’s really good in terms of wanting to know certain things and it was just one of them, probably because he was the closest one to me so we ended up having the conversation.

“He’s conscious of where the space is and how to attack the space. Sometimes it’s wide, particularly the second half, at times he looked dangerous wide going one-against-one, which is something he can do.

“And then he’s inside the pitch a little bit more to win the penalty. So nothing major, just bits of information here and there.”

The win saw United climb up to third in the table after they leapfrogged Aston Villa. United will host Unai Emery’s side in two weeks after they have travelled to Newcastle in midweek.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Senne Lammens was voted as Manchester United’s Player of the Match on Monday evening, as the Belgian goalkeeper was imperative to the Reds’ 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League

Harry Maguire described Senne Lammens as “top class” in the aftermath of Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Everton on Monday evening. The Reds travelled to Hill Dickinson Stadium to face the Toffees in the Premier League with hopes of keeping the pressure on the top end of the table.

Benjamin Sesko was the difference maker in the encounter, giving his team the lead 71 minutes into play in a closely-contested outing. However, it was Lammens who stole the show with a Player of the Match-worthy performance.

Not only did the shot-stopper make four saves during the match to ensure both the win and a clean sheet, but also responded incredibly well to a jam-packed six-yard box on Everton’s part – designed to shut out Lammens in collecting the ball.

As a result, the 23-year-old was awarded a coveted POTM award, with a staggering 63 per cent of United fans using the club’s official app in agreement in their voting – the next highest performer coming in the form of Sesko, who received 19 per cent of the votes.

After being described as “bloody brilliant” by David Moyes, Lammens took to social media to mark the occasion, uploading a photo carousel of him in action on his official Instagram page. And it didn’t take his team-mates long to give him his flowers, with Maguire leading the complements.

The seasoned centre-half, who has also been a revelation under Michael Carrick, said: “Top class,” in the comments section, while Matheus Cunha commented on his story: “Congrats MOTM.”

Patrick Dorgu also rushed to the comments section to share a couple of love heart-eyed emojis in a showing of adoration for his Reds colleague. Elsewhere, Carrick was quick to shower his number one goalkeeper with praise.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

When asked about if he sees similarities in Lammens and United legend, Edwin van der Sar – who was on punditry duty in-studio for Sky Sports for the match – he said: “Yeah, I’ve got to be careful to what I say here, but I know what you mean.

“I definitely see similarities yeah, without comparing them. I don’t want to be comparing them because I don’t think it’s fair to Senne.

“But there’s definitely similarities. For me, he’s a goalkeeper to be reliable, to be trustworthy and, instead of creating the chaos, you want him to take the chaos away and calm things down.

“I think Senne is that. He’s quite quiet at times and unassuming but he’s got a real steeliness. To step in, it’s a big, big role, for some. Others, we were talking there about coping and just being comfortable in your environment.

“Sometimes it takes time, sometimes not, but how he’s gone about it at the moment, that calmness, that composure does help those in front of him an awful lot.”

Asked about if the Belgian is a sign of good recruitment by the club, Carrick added: “In some ways, yeah. It’s difficult for me to talk about the past, when I’ve not been here, but, certainly, the boys who have come in recently are all playing a huge part for us, which is ideal.

“A major part is the character and the personality, that is a major attribute to have, especially playing here. Senne, the jump he’s had is a big jump, no disrespect but it’s a huge jump the one he made and to take it like he has done, and just get on with things, speaks volumes of his personality.

“He’s so able to deal with that environment and play at that level. That was a tough place that last 15 minutes, the amount of crosses and corners and things that he had to deal with, a couple of shots that he just catches and takes the sting out of it. To be able to do that in such a manner is obviously pleasing for us.”

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get Sky Sports here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Harry Maguire’s future and comments from one his team-mates feature in our Manchester United round-up

Manchester United enjoyed a restful weekend as their top-four rivals were in FA Cup action. United exited the competition at the third round stage after a loss to Brighton, giving them an extended break between games.

United’s winning streak under Michael Carrick was halted by West Ham last week, though he remains undefeated since succeeding Ruben Amorim. The next fixture is a visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton in a week’s time.

United will utilise their extended break on the training pitch, and it has also given some of Carrick’s players an opportunity to regain fitness following injuries. Mason Mount, who missed the matches against Fulham and West Ham due to a muscle problem, is one such player hoping to return in time to face the Toffees.

Matthijs de Ligt is also on the verge of returning, with Patrick Dorgu being the only long-term absentee. Carrick will be hoping to have nearly a full squad to choose from for the remainder of the season as he strives to keep United in the top four and secure a Champions League return.

Here, Manchester Evening News provides all the latest updates from Old Trafford.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Harry Maguire stance addressed

Harry Maguire’s teammates believe the club would be “mad” not to extend the defender’s contract past the summer. The 32-year-old has experienced a revival under Carrick after being used sparingly under both Amorim and Erik ten Hag.

There’s growing support among fans for offering Maguire a new contract, with his current one due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season. It appears that the United dressing room shares this sentiment, with a source telling The Sun about his importance to the team.

The source said: “The players think it would be madness if he was not offered a new deal. Harry has endured plenty of ups and downs at United but has come through all that and is playing really well.

“He’s very well-respected in the dressing room and is passing on a lot of knowledge to some of the younger players like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.

“Everyone likes him and respects him and the majority of the players want the club to give him a deal.”

Bryan Mbeumo receives verdict

Matheus Cunha has been full of praise for fellow summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, stating that the ex-Brentford player can bring “something special” to Old Trafford. The duo joined United last year for a combined £128.5million and have since provided the goalscoring threat the team has been sorely lacking.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Between them, they’ve contributed 20 goals and assists, rapidly establishing themselves as fan favourites. It appears Cunha’s top choice at United is also Mbeumo, as he revealed to Premier League Productions exactly what his attacking teammate brings to the side.

He said: “A lot of energy. What a lovely guy. I’m around him every day, he’s someone that is fun. I always play against him and we talk about the games that we played in the past, Brentford against Wolves.

“But to be together now and help United is something that when we arrive here, we feel like, wow, we can be a small part of the success of the team. It’s something that is a challenge that is everything to us.”

Speaking about Mbeumo’s impressive displays since his return from AFCON, Cunha added: “He’s very intelligent, he’s very clever. So he can use his strength very, very good, like going to space, he shoots so well, so good.

“This is the kind of number nine we need to have. Of course, he’s someone that helped us so much and it’s a pleasure to play with him. He’s more than the position that he plays. Being around him in the pitch, we know he can create something special.”