Mateus Cunha withdraws from Brazil squad as fears grow over severity of injury that forced Man Utd star off early in Premier League win over Burnley

Cunha endured a nightmare week with Man Utd, missing a penalty in the shootout defeat against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, before being subbed off with a knock just 30 minutes into Saturday's Premier League clash with Burnley at Old Trafford.

While the extent of Cunha's injury still remains unknown, fears are growing that the Brazilian could be facing a long spell on the sidelines as he has pulled out of international duty for Brazil ahead of fixtures against Chile and Bolivia.

The Brazilian football federation (CBF) confirmed Cunha's decision to withdraw from the squad in an official statement, which read: "Flamengo's attacker Samuel Lino was called up this Saturday (30) by coach Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's matches against Chile and Bolivia, in the last two rounds of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. After a conversation between the medical departments of Manchester United and the National Team, attacker Mateus Cunha was released from the call-up due to the muscle injury suffered in the match against Burnley, in the Premier League."

Cunha's situation could affect Kobbie Mainoo's future at Old Trafford. The "disillusioned" midfielder is determined to exit his boyhood club on loan for more game time, but the Red Devils may not sanction the move now, with Bruno Fernandes likely to move up to the No.10 role in Cunha's absence, leaving the central midfield position empty for the United youngster.