Casemiro and Cunha verdict given by Brazilian media as Man Utd star’s place threatened

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Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have both received praise in the Brazilian media for their contribution to Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia . Carlo Ancelotti's final warm-up fixture ahead of this summer's World Cup came against his former player Luka Modric's nation.

Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to France last week, Brazil responded with a dominant performance against Croatia in Orlando, Florida. Danilo opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time for Brazil, though the substitutes proved to be the key difference-makers late on.

Endrick won a penalty which was tucked away by Igor Thiago in the 88th minute, while also setting up Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time goal. But, amid all the fresh faces, the more experienced Manchester United midfield pairing of Casemiro and Cunha still earned plaudits for their displays.

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Brazilian outlet Grupo Globo awarded the former a match rating of 6/10, while fans gave him a somewhat harsh 5.4/10. Yet, the captain's influence was described positively, with the publication stating: "As usual, he ran a lot to close down spaces and recover balls – some of them in the attacking half, important for launching counter-attacks.

"He received a yellow card for a foul on Budimir at the edge of the penalty area. He left the field in the first round of substitutions, in the 15th minute of the second half."

Grupo Globo also handed Cunha a rating of 7/10, while fans gave him a 6.4/10. They wrote: "Important both with and without the ball. He worked hard to close down the left side of the defence, thus allowing Vini Jr. more freedom.

"In the 35th minute of the first half, he delivered a great pass to João Pedro, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Then, in stoppage time, he initiated a counter-attack with a beautiful long pass, leading to the first goal."

However, the outlet went on to say that Cunha could find himself dropped from the starting line-up for the World Cup 2026. They claimed Ancelotti may look to slot Raphinha, currently sidelined through injury, into Cunha's preferred role behind the centre-forward ahead of the United playmaker.

Cunha and Raphinha had both started against France in the previous fixture, with Cunha deployed centrally in a fluid front four, while Raphinha operated out wide. The Barcelona winger is now in a race against time to return for the World Cup, having sustained a hamstring injury during that match.

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Meanwhile, ESPN Brasil rated Casemiro's display a 6/10, stating: "As usual, he was solid in midfield and earned a rest for Fabinho's entrance."

They awarded Cunha an improved 6.5/10, adding: "Good plays as a more mobile attacker, saw Livakovic make a beautiful save in the first half."