Manchester United's World Cup star! Cunha wears Brazil's number 9 shirt, with Ronaldo's approval, and Carrick may learn from Ancelotti's tactics.

Of the 13 Manchester United players at the World Cup, none has shone brighter than Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha. He has already scored three goals for Brazil and received high praise from "the Phenomenon" Ronaldo. This left Cunha, who now wears the legendary number 9 shirt once belonging to Ronaldo, speechless with emotion.

After Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland in the final group stage match, Ronaldo shared a side-by-side photo on social media: one shows him celebrating his goal in the 2002 World Cup final against Germany while wearing Brazil's number 9 shirt, and the other shows Cunha celebrating his goal against Scotland, both raising their right finger to the sky.

Ronaldo wrote: "The last time Brazil's number 9 celebrated like this, you all know what happened next!" This hints that Brazil will win the title again this time. Ronaldo's comment drew attention from fans and excited Cunha greatly.

"My idol! I feel incredibly proud and am left speechless," replied the 27-year-old Manchester United forward, pointing to the number 9 on his jersey. "This shirt will always belong to you. If you're willing to come out and help, I'll be in the stands to witness the miracle."

When Ronaldo and Brazil's "3R" won the World Cup in 2002, achieving a historic fifth star for Brazil, Cunha was only three years old. Unfortunately, by the time he was old enough to watch the World Cup, the "Samba Squad" had fallen into a slump.

The first World Cup Cunha watched was in 2006, when Brazil lost to France in the quarter-finals; in 2010, they were eliminated again in the quarter-finals, this time by the Netherlands; in 2014, on home soil, Brazil suffered a humiliating 1-7 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals; and in 2018, they were once again knocked out in the quarter-finals, this time by Belgium.

Brazil's last title came in the 2019 Copa América. At that time, Cunha had not yet been called up to the national team; he won the famous Toulon Tournament with Brazil's youth team. Two years later, he joined the Brazilian Olympic team and won a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics football event. That same year, he made his debut for the senior Brazil national team, and now he has fulfilled his dream of playing in the World Cup.

Manchester United's official club account also shared the interaction between Cunha and Ronaldo. Since joining United for £62.5 million last season, the "Wolf King" Cunha has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists. His "surfing" celebration has already become a familiar sight for Old Trafford fans even before the World Cup.

Notably, during the pre-match handshake before Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland, Cunha not only shook hands but also warmly hugged United's 19-year-old academy graduate Taylor Fletcher from the opposing team. Brazil secured top spot in Group C and will face Japan in the Round of 16.

British media reports that Carrick is closely monitoring his players' performances at the World Cup. Brazil coach Ancelotti's use of Cunha could serve as a template for Manchester United next season. Since Carrick's squad lacks a backup striker, Cunha's role as a number 9 for Brazil might add tactical variety to the Red Devils. Specifically, in matches where Sesko is unavailable, United could field a combination of Patrick Dorgu, Cunha, and Mbeumo, with Cunha and Mbeumo alternating as the central striker.

At the end of last season, when asked about Cunha and other United players heading to the World Cup, Carrick said: "I hope they all get to play in the World Cup successfully, stay healthy, and be ready, because every season is an important one. I think we finished this season with great momentum, but we must maintain that momentum and hope for more achievements to celebrate next season."