Frank Christian
Matheus Cunha is poised to be Manchester United’s initial acquisition of the summer transfer window in 2025, potentially marking a new phase in Ruben Amorim’s project.
The forward is nearing a switch from Wolves after United agreed to meet his release clause of £62.5 million ($84.3m). The transaction is anticipated to be completed within the upcoming week.
This transfer will make Cunha the 11th Brazilian to don the Manchester United colors. It is fascinating to note that prior to 2003, no Brazilian player had ever played for the club, despite the rich footballing history shared by both the team and nation.
Below, The Sporting News lists the Brazilians who have represented United, with fans hoping Cunha will rank highly in this lineup.
Ranking Brazilian Players at Man United
Ten Brazilian men have played at the senior level for Manchester United, and it’s safe to say that few have truly thrived during their time at Old Trafford.
However, some did create memorable moments. Here’s our ranking of these players.
10. Rodrigo Possebon (2008-10)
Ranked 10th due only to his limited appearances, Rodrigo Possebon joined United as an 18-year-old with a promising reputation. Sadly, his growth was stalled following a serious injury caused by an Emmanuel Pogatetz tackle during a cup match against Middlesbrough.
He had a loan spell at Braga before returning to Brazil with Santos, yet his career failed to gain momentum.
9. Kleberson (2003-2005)
The first Brazilian to wear the iconic red shirt, Kleberson was recruited after his standout performance in the 2002 World Cup with Brazil. Intended as a replacement for Juan Sebastian Veron, he unfortunately mirrored Veron’s lackluster experience at United.
With only 30 appearances over two seasons, Kleberson moved to Besiktas and later returned to Brazil with Flamengo. At least he earned an FA Cup winners’ medal with the club.
8. Antony (2022 —)
In his debut season with United under Erik ten Hag, Antony showcased glimpses of brilliance. However, he soon exemplified the club’s current struggles—a talent who didn’t quite live up to expectations despite being acquired for a hefty fee.
As Ten Hag’s tenure dwindled, Antony’s impact faded, and legal issues further complicated his situation. He was loaned to Real Betis in January 2025, which rejuvenated his career, though a permanent move away from Old Trafford seems likely.
7. Alex Telles (2020-2023)
Alex Telles was brought in to challenge Luke Shaw’s role as left-back after Shaw publicly expressed the need for additional signings. A seasoned player with Porto and for the Brazilian national team, he demonstrated skill but lacked consistency during his spell under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He eventually was loaned to Sevilla for the 2022/23 season before moving to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His memorable moment remains a stunning volley against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League.
6. Andreas Pereira (2014-2022)
Andreas Pereira entered United’s youth setup in 2011 from PSV, earning his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal in 2014 amidst a 4-0 EFL Cup defeat to MK Dons. He had successful loan stints in La Liga with Granada and Valencia, eventually becoming a more regular feature in the United lineup from 2018 onward.
Despite racking up playing time under Solskjaer, he struggled with form and ended up loaned to Lazio and Flamengo before signing with Fulham in 2022, where he has made significant contributions.
5. Fred (2018-2023)
Jose Mourinho recruited Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk for approximately £47m ($67m) in June 2018, having been linked with Manchester City beforehand. Initially, it seemed City had arguably escaped a risky investment.
Characterized by inconsistent passing and a lack of flair typical of Brazilian footballers, Fred nevertheless became a valuable defensive midfielder who shone in times without the ball. His contributions became evident when results dipped sharply after his transfer to Fenerbahce. Fans often nostalgia over his “McFred” partnership with Scott McTominay, reflecting both affection and confusion.
4. Fabio da Silva (2008-2014)
Fabio was one of two twins acquired by United after captivating scouts at a youth event in 2005. He made 56 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Though overshadowed by his brother (due to Patrice Evra’s long-standing hold on the left-back position), Fabio served as a reliable squad player during United’s campaign for the Premier League and their Champions League final appearance in 2010/11, where he played the full match.
3. Anderson (2007-2015)
A fan favorite at the Stretford End today, Anderson participated in 181 matches for United when they were one of the leading clubs globally. He won four Premier League titles, the EFL Cup, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, making him the most decorated Brazilian in the club’s history.
While not quite on par with the top-tier midfielders of his era—like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Michael Carrick—Anderson brought energy and versatility, most notably scoring crucial penalties in the 2008 Champions League final and the 2009 EFL Cup final.
2. Casemiro (2022 —)
Casemiro stands out as the most accomplished Brazilian player that United has ever signed. His time in England has been a mix of highs and lows since his arrival from Real Madrid. After a stellar first season contributing to the EFL Cup triumph and a third-place finish in the league, Casemiro’s performance dipped significantly in Ten Hag’s second season amid injury setbacks.
Even though he looked less effective in early 2024/25, he managed to reclaim his spot under Amorim and enjoyed a decent role in the run to the Europa League final, but his long-term prospects at United may be uncertain. Nonetheless, his standout performances in 2022/23 solidify his place high on this list.
1. Rafael da Silva (2008-2015)
Rafael embodies the essence of Brazilian talent at Manchester United, given his longevity, success, and initial free transfer as a young player.
Seen as the successor to famed right-back Gary Neville, Rafael quickly earned fan admiration in his debut 2008/09 season, where he earned a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Over his career at the club, he made 170 appearances and secured three Premier League titles among various accolades, maintaining a consistently high standard that few on this list can match.
After leaving for Lyon in 2015, he made 139 appearances for the French club before further playing for Istanbul Basaksehir and Botafogo, where he won the Brasileirao and Copa Libertadores double in 2024, albeit with limited involvement due to injuries. Now engaged in media work, his contagious smile and loyalty to United keep him beloved among fans.
