Manchester United are hosted by stars who have impressed across North America at this summer’s World Cup, with one player’s mother in tears as she watched her son represent her nation.
Matheus Cunha’s mother shed tears of joy after her son scored a brace for Brazil at the World Cup.
The versatile forward is one of a number of Manchester United stars who have impressed globally across North America over the past few weeks.
After emerging as a second-half substitute during Brazil’s opener against Morocco, a game that ended 1-1, Cunha did enough to start against Haiti in the early hours of Saturday morning under Carlo Ancelotti’s watch. And it didn’t take long for the 27-year-old to make it into the competition.
Just 23 minutes in, Cunha showed the ability of a poacher when Vinicius Jr.’s attempt was repeated, firing home from close range to give his nation the lead. 10 minutes later, Cunha added to his tally for the day.
A tricky through ball from Vinny Jr found Koneh breaking through the Haiti backline before he venomously blasted a left-footed shot into the top of Johnny Placide’s near corner. As joy filled the pitch, the fans watching inside the Philadelphia stadium also felt moved – none more so than Cunha’s mother.
In a video uploaded to social media, she can be seen standing in shock with her hands on her head, tears of joy streaming down her face as she is comforted by a fellow fan. The clip then pans to Cunha, who is beaming on the pitch as he turns to his mother in the stands and pumps his fist in joy.
After playing a major part in both goals, Vinny Jr. scored on the stroke of half-time to secure a 3-0 win for Brazil, which leaves them top of the Group C standings with four points. As a result, they have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup, regardless of their result against Scotland on Wednesday 24 June.
It comes as several Reds players have enjoyed successful World Cup campaigns so far. Casemiro – who will leave the club this summer – was also instrumental in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti, playing the full 90 minutes and extra time in midfield.
Nossir Mazrawi also helped keep a clean sheet in Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland on Friday evening, a game in which young United talent Tyler Fletcher remained on the bench for the Tartan Army.
Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes and Diego Dalot are on international duty with Portugal, although the latter is yet to feature for his nation at this summer’s tournament, while Imad looks ahead to Ivory Coast’s clash with Germany on Saturday evening.
Sean Lemons, Kobi Meno, Lesandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford are also currently representing their respective countries. While United will be delighted to see their players shine in world football’s most prestigious tournament, they will no doubt be thinking of Alte Byander, who will return to Greater Manchester ahead of schedule.
Turkey was drawn in the tournament early on Saturday morning and, as a result, will not progress to the knockout stages despite still having one game remaining due to the head-to-head factor in qualification.
The shot-stopper did not make the team sheet for his nation’s 2-0 defeat to Australia, nor the 1-0 upset by 10-man Paraguay, with his participation in Turkey’s final Group D clash with the USA also in doubt. The match will be played on Friday, June 26.
