Brazil media react to Casemiro and Matheus Cunha performance vs France

Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup hit another road bump as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to France in a friendly in the United States.

The friendly loss, in which Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring and Hugo Ekitike doubled France’s lead before Brazil pulled one back late, was always expected to be a stern test against world-class opposition.

For Manchester United’s midfield contingent on international duty, it was a mixed night as both Casemiro and Matheus Cunha featured prominently but failed to influence proceedings as decisively as many had hoped.

Casemiro, whose United contract is set to expire at the end of the season, has been a key figure for United this campaign, contributing to nine goals and assists in thirty appearances across all competitions.

Brazilian outlet Globo rated Casemiro a 5/10, noting, “He faltered on France’s first goal, being dispossessed and giving rise to the counter-attack.

“On the other hand, he was important both with and without the ball.

“He made good passes, attempted shots, and worked hard to close down spaces and make tackles.”

Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha, who joined United last summer and has already notched five goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, was also give a 5/10 by Globo as they wrote, “He moved around a lot to provide passing options and help create plays.

“He only took one shot, in the 34th minute of the first half, from outside the penalty area.”

ESPN Brazil echoed that sentiment on Casemiro, saying, “He was dominating the midfield until he made the mistake that led to counter-attack and Mbappe’s goal, which opened the scoring.

“He had moments of losing control with the referee and a rather discreet performance until the end. Rating: 5.0.”

Their assessment of Cunha was similarly balance: “Good runs and ball control, but without contributing as much to the attack as one would expect from someone in his position.

“Only one shot in the first half, which went wide to Maignan’s left. Rating: 5.0.”

Casemiro will depart Old Trafford at the end of the season as his contract expires, leaving United with a notable midfield void to address.

United’s hierarchy is already understood to be exploring midfield reinforcements as they prepare for life after Casemiro.

As Brazil now turn their attention to their next friendly against Croatia, both Casemiro and Cunha will be looking to shake off a quiet outing and reassert themselves before the World Cup.