Manchester United To Rest Brazilian Star Matheus Cunha Ahead of World Cup

Manchester United have reached a surprising agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rest star forward Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season. 

The move comes as a major boost for Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of the World Cup.

The decision to sideline the Brazilian international follows United's triumph in the against fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday. 

Cunha was instrumental in the victory over Liverpool, scoring a vital goal to help secure a win that mathematically guaranteed the Red Devils a place in next season’s Champions League.

With their primary objective for the domestic campaign now fulfilled, the club hierarchy feels they are in a position to assist the Brazilian national team. The agreement will see the number 10 sit out the final three matches of the season to focus entirely on his physical recovery, ESPN reports.

(AFP)

Cunha has been struggling with adductor problems in recent weeks. 

Although he has continued to feature for Michael Carrick's side, even playing 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 correctly.

By removing him from the high-intensity environment of the Premier League run-in, United and the CBF hope to ensure he arrives at the World Cup at 100 percent fitness.

The tournament is set to kick off in just over a month, leaving little room for error in his rehabilitation process.

The news will be music to the ears of Carlo Ancelotti. 

The Brazil boss has been dealing with an escalating injury crisis within his squad, and losing a starter like Cunha would have been a significant blow