Manchester United star Matheus Cunha has claimed being left out of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad made him ‘stronger’ as the attacker targets representing his nation at next summer’s tournament.
Cunha had starred for Brazil’s Under-23 side at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, scoring three goals in five appearances to help secure the gold medal.
The forward, then at Atletico Madrid, was rewarded with a call-up to Brazil’s senior set-up for World Cup qualifiers.
Cunha made six appearances as a centre forward in the qualifying campaign but failed to score for the Selecao.
He made a further two appearances in friendlies under head coach Tite, but was ultimately left out of their 26-player squad for the World Cup.
Brazil would go on to reach the quarter-finals, before being beaten by Croatia in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw.
Matheus Cunha opened up on how a ‘painful experience’ with Brazil is inspiring his World Cup dream
Cunha, top right, had broken into Brazil’s squad ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup but ultimately missed out on selection
Having initially returned to the national team after the tournament, Cunha missed 16 consecutive Brazil matches before being recalled back in March after impressing at Wolves.
The 26-year-old, who has only won 17 caps for his nation, scored his first Brazil goal in a 4-1 defeat by Argentina in March.
Speaking ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, Cunha admitting the pain of missing out on the 2022 World Cup has driven him on to be a stronger player and push for selection in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
‘I think every moment in life is an experience, both positive and negative ones, But, they have to show that you are growing and, for me, back then, that was a negative experience,’ Cunha told reporters.
‘It was a very painful experience, but without a doubt I learnt from it and it made me stronger today.
‘Today, I deal with frustrations in a different way and I deal with achievements in a different way.
‘I think that I am much more mature compared to the Matheus from three years ago, but without a doubt I think that when it comes to your dreams, there are no ways that you can measure how important they are.
‘I do not know what my reaction will be if, God willing, I will be called up for a FIFA World Cup and also, if not. It will be something that I do not know if I will handle in the same way. So what I think is that you have to just learn.
Cunha claims he is now ‘more mature’ as he eyes a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad
The attacker believes the multiple roles he has played under Ruben Amorim at Man United are boosting his hopes of representing Brazil at the World Cup
‘I see myself as much more mature, I see myself with other responsibilities nowadays and without a doubt, I will do everything possible so that it does not go the same way. That it will be a celebration, a dream come true.
‘Of course it will be done with a lot of calm, with a lot of maturity, because I have been called up now and I am trying to demonstrate – not only to the coach – but to everyone why I deserve to be here.’
Cunha has been included in all of Ancelotti’s four squads since the former Real Madrid boss took charge.
The attacker expressed his view that his ability to play in multiple positions has aided his pursuit of a World Cup berth.
It follows Ruben Amorim using him in various roles, including as a false nine, since his £62m summer move from Wolves.
‘Knowing that the manager trusts me to play in multiple positions is important,’ Cunha said.
‘It gives me the responsibility to be decisive and to always work hard, no matter where he places me. You need to deliver and prove that you’re ready.
‘Manchester United is a club that should always be at the top. I’m grateful to be playing in a side that’s delivering and competing well.
‘To earn a spot in the national team, you have to consistently show your worth at club level.’
Record five-time World Cup winners Brazil face Senegal on Saturday in friendly as they build towards next summer’s tournament, before meeting Tunisia next Tuesday.
