Cruzeiro · CONMEBOL Libertadores · Goalkeeper · #31 · Brazil · 24 yrs
Is Rashford leaving or will Michael Carrick give him another chance? Simon: Carrick has made all the right noises around Rashford but I would be truly stunned if he played for Manchester United again. You mention permanent replacement but Matheus Cunha can play in that position, so too Mason Mount.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha shone for Manchester United, and Omar Berrada said the club could sign more Premier League proven players. The post Man Utd will look to sign Premier League proven players again, says chief Berrada appeared first on SoccerNews.
Manchester United have made the decision to try to get some deals over the line early this summer, following up what they did last summer when they got Matheus Cunha in from Wolves quite quickly and also managed to push through a move for Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford before the start of pre-season. Ederson's deal isn't actually going to be completed until the beginning of next month. Manchester United have their first pre-season fixture against Wrexham the day before the World Cup final, so they are starting their matches early and they want some of their new signings in place for then.
Brazil arrived in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Neymar included in the squad. Neymar has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks due to his physical issues, casting doubt on his chances of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Against that backdrop, he arrived in the United States alongside his Brazil national team teammates. On Tuesday, the plane carrying Brazil’s 26-player squad and the coaching staff led by Carlo Ancelotti landed at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The team will now begin preparations for the FIFA tournament, which kicks off next week. As the squad arrived, much of the attention was focused on Ney, who stepped off the plane after Matheus Cunha. The forward, dressed in the same suit as his teammates and wearing sunglasses, walked down the aircraft stairs carrying his luggage and flashing his trademark smile. The arrival came just days after Carlo Ancelotti put an end to doubts over Neymar’s inclusion in the final World Cup roster. “The 26 players I chose are the ones who will play in the World Cup,” said the coach. CONFIANÇA NA PANTURRILHA! Neymar, Matheus Cinha, Paquetá e Vini Jr. desembarcam nos Estados Unidos para a Copa do Mundo.#neymar #seleçãobrasileira #brasil #ge2026 pic.twitter.com/24qEWuuea5— ge (@geglobo) June 2, 2026 “Unfortunately, Neymar has this small issue preventing him from training with the group, but he is working very well individually to recover soon,” Ancelotti added, downplaying concerns surrounding the 34-year-old forward’s condition. Possible return date for Neymar After suffering a calf injury on May 20, Neymar began a recovery process coordinated by the medical staffs of Santos and Brazil. Last week, when the national team opened training camp, he was unable to work alongside his teammates, and the same is expected to be the case during the first few days of practice in the United States. The forward missed last Sunday’s friendly against Panama, in which Brazil bid farewell to its home fans with a convincing 6-2 victory. All signs also point to him being unavailable for the June 6 friendly against Egypt. The most optimistic scenario has him fit to play in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13. Brazil’s other group-stage matches will be against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24.
Set to face Panama as one of the preparation friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar entirely out of the Brazil squad list. Brazil is set to clash with Panama at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday, May 31, in a crucial tune-up fixture ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. However, as the official lineups were unveiled, immediate questions arose surrounding the high-profile absence of superstar Neymar Jr. from Carlo Ancelotti’s matchday squad. Neymar will completely miss the friendly due to a lingering leg injury. After the forward underwent an MRI scan upon reporting to Brazil’s training camp, national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed that the Santos star is dealing with a Grade 2 calf strain, sidelining him not just from the starting XI, but from the entire bench against Panama. Santos had previously reported that Neymar merely suffered an edema, a minor injury, following a match against Coritiba back on May 17, which prompted Ancelotti to confidently name him to the final 26-man World Cup roster. However, this latest medical update casts serious doubt on whether the talisman will be fit in time for Brazil’s massive Group Stage opener against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The diagnosis sparked immediate speculation over whether Neymar could be replaced on the roster, potentially crushing his World Cup dreams. Ancelotti emphatically shut down those rumors during Saturday’s press conference, stating, “the 26 players I chose are the ones who will play in the World Cup,” confirming that Neymar will remain with the squad and no emergency injury replacements will be made. BRASIL DEFINIDO! 🇧🇷Confira os 11 nomes escalados pelo Mister para enfrentar o Panamá neste domingo (31), às 18h30 (Brasília).⁰📺 TV Globo / SporTV / GE TV⁰🏟️ Maracanã#BateNoPeito, ISSO É BRASIL! 🫵🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/6mbiIBOYvF— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) May 31, 2026 Neymar set to miss both of Brazil’s warm-up matches According to Ancelotti, the calf injury has kept Neymar separated from first-team training sessions, though he is making excellent progress in his individualized rehabilitation program. Even so, the timeline will not move fast enough for the Santos icon to log any minutes for the Canarinha before the tournament officially kicks off. Following the Panama friendly, the Brazilian delegation will fly to New Jersey to open their primary training camp at the Columbia Park Training Center. From there, the Canarinha will travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to face Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 6 in their final pre-World Cup exhibition, leaving Neymar with an incredibly narrow window to prove his fitness. Confirmed lineups for Brazil and Panama Brazil’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Wesley, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Luiz Henrique, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior; Matheus Cunha.Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti. Panama’s confirmed lineup: (3-4-3): Orlando Mosquera; Cesar Blackman, Fidel Escobar, Jose Cordoba; Amir Murillo, Ismael Diaz, Carlos Harvey, Andres Andrade; Jose Luis Rodriguez, Cecilio Waterman, Yoel Barcenas.Head coach: Thomas Christiansen.
Endrick has been singled out by Brazil legend Cafu as a player to watch ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil will travel to the United States in the coming days to continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will be chasing a record sixth title. One of the newcomers in the squad will be Endrick, a player in whom Cafu has placed great faith. “I see all the players in the Brazil national team doing well, especially Endrick. I personally have a lot of confidence in him,” Cafu said in a recent interview with Marca. “I believe Endrick will be the big breakout star for Brazil.” The 19-year-old forward earned a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans after an outstanding half-season with Olympique Lyonnais. He joined the French club on loan from Real Madrid, where he had limited opportunities, and quickly showcased his talent. With Lyon, he recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Europa League. Those performances proved decisive in securing Endrick a place among the 26 players traveling to the World Cup. He had not been included in any of Ancelotti’s previous squads and only received his first opportunity during the March FIFA window, when he played 14 minutes against Croatia and provided two assists. Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, reacts Endrick set for World Cup debut At just 19 years old, Endrick is set to make his World Cup debut. Among the 26 players selected by Carlo Ancelotti, there are 11 who have never previously appeared in a FIFA tournament: Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Roger Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Wesley, Danilo, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Rayan, and Endrick. Cafu confident in Vinicius and Ancelotti In the same interview, Cafu expressed optimism about the impact Vinicius Junior can have for Brazil, despite not yet matching his Real Madrid form at the international level. “Vinicius had a great season,” the former defender said. “It’s important that he enjoys himself. If he’s happy, he’s going to help the Brazil national team.” Along the same lines, the two-time World Cup champion praised the head coach: “The important thing is for Brazil to add another star to its jersey, regardless of who the coach is. Ancelotti is an experienced coach who knows how to handle this type of competition and can bring a lot of joy to the Brazilian people.”
Matheus Cunha cleared up doubts surrounding Neymar’s availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil. After the excitement sparked by Neymar’s call-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concern quickly followed. The Santos forward suffered an injury that will require a considerable recovery period, raising doubts about his availability to compete in North America. Brazil teammate Matheus Cunha addressed the situation. “I think his injury will clearly give him the opportunity to arrive in good shape for our objective,” Cunha said during a press conference held this week in Teresopolis, where the national team has been gathered since Wednesday working under coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Manchester United forward dismissed concerns surrounding Ney’s physical condition, making it clear that within the squad they trust their biggest star will be fully fit to play in the World Cup. However, Cunha also admitted he was “sad” to learn about the injuries suffered by certain players who will not be able to be in North America 2026, such as Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Estevao. “Nobody wants to go through that,” he added. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar’s recovery timeline After Neymar’s grade-two calf injury was confirmed, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar estimated a recovery timeline of “two to three weeks” for the forward. That leaves him with barely enough time to be ready for the World Cup. Brazil will play a home friendly against Panama on Sunday, May 31, after which they will travel to the United States. There they will play their final warm-up match on June 6 against Egypt before beginning the countdown to their debut on June 13 against Morocco. The debate over Brazil’s No. 10 jersey With Neymar returning to the Brazil national team after an absence of nearly three years, debate has started over who should wear the No. 10 jersey. The Santos forward owned that number for a decade, but during his absence other players such as Rodrygo and Vinicius wore it. Matheus Cunha wears the No. 10 jersey at Manchester United, which positions him as another contender in that discussion. However, he downplayed the issue. “The number someone is wearing matters very little,” Cunha said when asked whether Neymar should get it back. “We saw his reaction to returning. Someone so great showing all that pride about being back. The issue of the numbers is completely out of our hands.” In that way, Cunha chose not to get involved in the jersey number debate at all, a different stance from some of his teammates. In fact, Vinicius said days ago that Neymar should undoubtedly be the one wearing Brazil’s No. 10 jersey. “I don’t know what number I’ll wear at the World Cup, but the No. 10 belongs to Neymar, that’s obvious,” Vini said in an interview with CazeTV.
Carlo Ancelotti had hoped to welcome the veteran forward back into the national team setup for one final run at soccer’s biggest prize, but a fresh calf injury has now placed that dream in serious doubt. Concern about Neymar‘s fitness has abruptly taken center stage, casting a cloud on Brazil’s 2026 World Cup preparations. Carlo Ancelotti had hoped to welcome the veteran forward back into the national team setup for one final run at soccer’s biggest prize, but a fresh calf injury has now placed that dream in serious doubt. With Neymar already missing training sessions and expected to sit out the pre-tournament friendlies, discussions have intensified over who could step into his place if the medical staff decides he is unable to compete. The 34-year-old forward arrived at Brazil’s training camp carrying discomfort in his calf after his final appearance for Santos. Initial optimism around the issue faded after further examinations reportedly revealed a grade-two muscle strain, an injury that normally requires careful rehabilitation and weeks of recovery. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the seriousness of the issue during a press conference. “The expectation is that he will be available in two to three weeks,” Lasmar explained while discussing Neymar’s recovery timeline. Rodrigo Lasmar, médico da seleção brasileira, confirma lesão de grau 2 de Neymar e recuperação entre 2 a 3 semanas pic.twitter.com/lQ8114MT9o— Raisa Simplicio (@simpraisa) May 28, 2026 That timeline has immediately created tension around Brazil’s World Cup plans. The Selecao opens the tournament against Morocco on June 13, leaving very little room for setbacks or delays in Neymar’s rehabilitation process. Brazil already preparing possible replacement scenarios The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reportedly plans to conduct another medical evaluation shortly before FIFA’s final deadline for squad changes. According to ESPN Brasil, the federation could remove Neymar from the squad if he is not fully fit before the opening match. “Changes to the 26-player squad can be made due to injury, but they must be made 24 hours before the start of the tournament,” the report explained while outlining FIFA’s rules. That possibility has pushed several attacking names into the spotlight. Joao Pedro of Brazil. Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has quickly emerged as one of the leading candidates after being left out of the original squad despite an impressive season in England. The forward reportedly postponed his vacation to remain ready for a possible emergency call-up. UOL suggests that Joao Pedro has continued daily training sessions and physiotherapy work while waiting for updates on Neymar’s condition. The surprise option gaining attention inside Brazil While Joao Pedro is viewed as the favorite, another unexpected name has also started receiving attention internally. According to Brazilian journalist Marcel Rizzo of Estadao, Pedro from Flamengo is also being seriously considered as a potential replacement if the Santos captain is eventually excluded from the squad. The Flamengo striker has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in Brazilian soccer. His physical presence and penalty-box instincts offer a different profile compared to Neymar, something that could appeal to Ancelotti depending on how he wants to structure the attack. Brazil already possesses significant depth in forward areas through players such as Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Endrick, and Rayan. However, Pedro’s domestic form and familiarity with Brazilian soccer could make him a valuable late addition if the coaching staff decides experience inside the local game matters during a pressure-filled tournament.
In the midst of his Grade 2 calf injury, Neymar Jr. remains hopeful of being part of the 2026 World Cup with Brazil. Supporting his presence, Casemiro highlighted the importance of the 34-year-old star within the squad, making clear his support for him to attend the tournament. Neymar Jr. seemed to be a lock for Brazil after being called back by Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup. However, he has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf injury, raising serious doubts about his presence. In the midst of this, Casemiro decided to praise the 34-year-old star, highlighting his importance within the squad and making clear his support amid the numerous criticisms regarding his physical condition. “Neymar is an experienced player… He’s a player who’s been through countless things in soccer, so without a doubt he can bring a lot of experience… I think without a doubt the experience he has from playing and going to his 4th World Cup is important. We know that important players create that mix between young players and experienced players, and I think it’s very important to win titles,” Casemiro said in press conference. After learning the severity of his injury, many fans are already calling for Neymar to be left out, as he will not be available for the debut against Morocco. However, Ge.globo reports that the 34-year-old star will remain with Brazil, as there is hope that he could debut against Haiti, since his recovery could be accelerated to just two weeks. With this in mind, Casemiro’s support reflects the opinion of Brazil’s staff: His experience could be a difference-maker. Brazil have a fairly young roster, with young attackers who have little experience in World Cups. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti could use Neymar’s experience to boost the collective performance. In addition, he has proven to be one of the best creative players in the world, offering a difference-maker profile compared to Matheus Cunha or Lucas Paquetá, which could give him a greater impact. Neymar Jr. of Brazil celebrates after scoring the fifth goal of his team during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier. Neymar Jr. set for last World Cup with Brazil in 2026 Throughout his professional career, Neymar has proven to be a difference-maker with Brazil national football team. Scoring 77 goals, he become the national team’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Pelé. In addition, he has managed to leave a major impact at the World Cup, scoring 8 goals in 13 matches. With this in mind, the 34-year-old veteran is aiming for a dream ‘last dance’ at the World Cup with Brazil. Without winning a Copa América or a World Cup, Neymar’s legacy with Brazil is often overlooked, ignoring his major historical impact. Because of this, the 34-year-old star is aiming to be the veteran leader in pursuit of winning the 2026 edition. If he manages to achieve it, he could retire as a true legend on the level of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazário, or Romário, as he would win the long-awaited title that they have not secured in years.
After several absences from Brazil, Neymar Jr. has received a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup. Following this, Vinícius Júnior revealed the anguish of the 34-year-old star, while also praising his enormous legacy in the national team ahead of the anticipated tournament. In the midst of a season full of doubts about his physical condition, Neymar Jr. has received a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup. With his vision of the game and great technical ability, he is expected to have an important role in the national team, but from the bench. Following this, Vinícius Júnior revealed details about the 34-year-old star’s anguish over not being called up, while also praising his great legacy with the national team. “Neymar is our idol. I have always had enormous affection for him, and he always defended me a lot too. After every call-up, Neymar would tell me: ‘damn it, Ancelotti didn’t call me up again, I’m really sad.’ But I would always tell him that the old man trusted him and that when the time came, he would take Ney… He always gave us a lot of morale. Being able to play with him again is going to be an honor,” Vinicius Jr. revealed, via Caze TV. Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in May 2025, Neymar Jr. has not been called up on any occasion, with Lucas Paquetá, Rodrygo, and Raphinha being preferred as attacking midfielders, leaving no place for the 34-year-old star. However, the head coach has decided to call him back to the national team, making it clear that he considers him fit for top-level competition and praising his strong role in the dressing room. Unlike previous World Cup editions, Neymar is expected to have a secondary role with Brazil. Both Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá have proven to be key figures for Carlo Ancelotti, contributing defensive commitment and scoring power. However, the 34-year-old star still offers a level of creative quality that no one else in the squad provides, meaning he could still play an important role from the bench. Neymar Jr. of Brazil celebrates after scoring the fifth goal of his team during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier. Neymar Jr.’s presence could boost Vinicius Jr. impact with Brazil Vinícius Júnior has become one of the best players in the world, shining for Real Madrid. However, he has not managed to stand out with Brazil, scoring only eight goals and providing eight assists in 47 matches. Although the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti seemed key to boosting his best version, he has not significantly improved his impact either. Because of this, the presence of Neymar could be decisive in unlocking his best form. Neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have managed to establish themselves as truly differential creative hubs for Brazil. In contrast, Neymar is a player who attracts multiple defenders, freeing Vinícius Júnior on the wing so he can operate with more freedom. In addition, the 34-year-old star can deliver precise through balls and brilliantly identify passing lanes. With this, the 25-year-old star would have better scoring opportunities.
Despite being one of the greatest Brazilian players of the last decade, Neymar had gone nearly three years without playing for Brazil. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to reintegrate him into the squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting the 34-year-old star to react on social media. Throughout the last decade, Neymar emerged as the most decisive figure for Brazil. While he never managed to win a Copa América or a World Cup, he remained the cornerstone of the national team for years. However, injuries kept him away from the squad for nearly three years. In a surprising turn, the 34-year-old star has now been included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting an emotional reaction on social media. “It’s hard not to get emotional. With everything we’ve been through. Everything they watched me go through. And me getting here, managing to compete in another World Cup. It’s Incredible. These are tears of pure happiness. Truly I want to tank every single Brazilian who supported me and cheered for me… we have another World Cup to fight for. We will absolutely give our lives to bring the Cup back to Brazil” Neymar said, on his Youtube channel. While there were serious doubts surrounding his physical condition,Carlo Ancelotti has rewarded Neymar for his major improvement at Santos FC, revealing that he will be important. With this call-up, the 34-year-old star now has what could be his final opportunity to chase the long-awaited World Cup title. However, he will not have an easy path toward becoming a starter, as Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá currently appear to hold a certain advantage. Neymar is set to make his return with Brazil after three years away from the national team, giving him a clear opportunity to end his long scoring drought with the Canarinha. In addition, the 34-year-old star emerges as a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti after the injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão, as his experience could prove decisive. Beyond his impact on the field, they also regain a clear dressing-room leader, something that can be crucial when competing at the highest level. Neymar Jr. of Brazil battles for possession with Yangel Herrera of Venezuela during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match. Neymar Jr. to play inside forward for Brazil, says Carlo Ancelotti Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil appear to have a clear plan built around Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior on the wings. In addition, the regular presence of Matheus Cunha as the starting attacking midfielder offers strong indications of how the lineup could look. Because of this, Neymar’s role remains a major topic of debate, leading Carlo Ancelotti to reveal that the 34-year-old star will play as an inside forward. After his numerous injuries at Al Hilal SFC, Neymar has evolved into an attacking midfielder. No longer standing out because of his pace, the Brazilian star now makes the difference through his dribbling, vision, and ability to break defensive lines with precise through balls. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti will use him as a major enhancer of Brazil’s collective play, something that neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide for the national team.
Nottingham Forest were on the wrong end of a controversial VAR decision in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, with ex-referee Dermot Gallagher insisting Bryan Mbeumo's handball in the build-up to Matheus Cunha's goal should have seen it disallowed
If there is one thing in the modern game that is guaranteed to confuse it is the handball law. The ball hit the arm of Bryan Mbeumo, who saw his shot blocked before it ran to Matheus Cunha to score Manchester United's second goal in their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. United's celebrations were muted as Forest's players complained to referee Michael Salisbury.
