Matheus Cunha was present for the first day of Manchester United’s pre-season training as they begin preparations for an important campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s squad reported back to Carrington on Monday morning to kick off their pre-season training for the 2025/26 campaign.
After nearly two weeks of preparations at their training base, Manchester United will embark on a five-game pre-season tour. The tour opens with a trip to Sweden, where they’ll take on long-time rivals Leeds United at the Strawberry Arena.
Next, the team will head to the United States for matches against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton. They’ll wrap up their pre-season schedule at Old Trafford with a friendly against Fiorentina, which will see the return of former United goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Premier League has confirmed that United will begin the new season with a high-profile home fixture against Arsenal on Sunday, 17 August, with kick-off set for 16:30 BST.
Cunha shows true colours with United pre-season decision
Manchester United’s first day of pre-season training didn’t feature the full squad, as several players were granted additional time off.
It was previously reported that those involved in international duty last month would return to Carrington later in the week.
Eight Reds were in action for their national teams in June, but Matheus Cunha defied expectations by reporting for training on the opening day.
Cunha was seen arriving at the training ground and was the only one of the internationals to attend the session. He played in both of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers last month and got the game-winning assist against Paraguay.
The club’s new No.10 has already expressed his excitement about getting started at Old Trafford, and his early return speaks volumes about his commitment, especially given he had the option to wait until Thursday to join up with the squad.
Cunha’s unofficial debut for United closing in
Cunha’s first game as a United player is also closing in, with the club’s opening pre-season friendly against Leeds on Saturday, 19 July.
That match will be showcased on MUTV, with live coverage on UtdDistrict’s social media accounts, and the Brazilian forward is expected to feature.
It will be a special moment for Cunha to finally don the red shirt on the pitch after dreaming of the moment since he was a young child.
“It is the most common phrase that you can say at this moment, but this is the dream come true,” the 26-year-old said in his first club interview.
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“Maybe outside, I think maybe my decision, they don’t understand. But when you have always dreamed to play here, it’s easier to pick this decision.
“For me, no-one else is like United. Of course, I know it’s been a hard season for everyone. I think my decision shows what this club is for me, and what I believe this club can be.”
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