Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has been forced to withdraw from Brazil’s squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia after picking up a leg injury in the Red Devils’ dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday.
The 26-year-old signalled distress midway through the first half, clutching his hamstring before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee. United boss Ruben Amorim admitted after the game that the injury could prove costly:
“We need that guy really bad to be competitive,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
Brazil later confirmed Cunha’s withdrawal in an official statement on X, revealing that Flamengo winger Samuel Lino, 30, would replace him in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. The decision came after “conversations between the medical departments of Manchester United and the national team.”
United’s injury woes didn’t stop there. Mason Mount was also substituted at half-time, replaced by youngster Kobbie Mainoo, after reportedly playing through discomfort for 30 minutes.
Amorim expressed frustration at the mounting setbacks:
“It was hard to lose Cunha and Mason Mount, because Mason Mount played 30 minutes with an injury. I’m concerned about that, because they are so important for us. We will see.”
Both Cunha and Mount had featured in United’s Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in midweek — Cunha starting the 12-11 penalty shootout defeat, while Mount came on in the second half. Amorim hinted that the packed schedule may have contributed to their latest fitness issues.
With crucial domestic fixtures ahead and Brazil kicking off World Cup qualifying, United will be sweating on the fitness of two of their key men.
