Matheus Cunha believed it was fate that led him to be included in Brazil's 26-man World Cup squad after overcoming a difficult start at Manchester United. 

Cunha was selected by Carlo Ancelotti for this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, having missed out on a place in the Selecao's squad in 2022.

The 27-year-old had to wait until October 25 to score his first goal for United, having missed the deciding penalty in their shock EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town. 

But since then, he has played a key role in helping Michael Carrick's side qualify for the Champions League. He became the third South American player to hit double digits in his debut season for the club in the Premier League after Carlos Tevez in 2007-08 (14) and Edinson Cavani in 2020-21 (10).  

Overall, Cunha registered 12 goal involvements in all competitions, a total bettered by only Benjamin Sesko (13), Bryan Mbeumo (14) and Bruno Fernandes (31) for United. 

"In football, just as in life, it's part of the process to go through difficult times and overcome them," Cunha said. 

"After everything I've been through, to have my name on the list, to arrive [to international duty] on my birthday – well, we'll see, won't we? I think it's fate.

"It's hard to make it in football. No matter where I've been, the challenges are ever-present.

"Overcoming them is the greatest secret I have. That's when it all becomes worthwhile. I'm proud of how far I've come; I know it wasn't easy, but it's deeply fulfilling.

"I'm really happy with everything that's been happening for me, at a club I've always wanted to play for.

"It's my first year back in the Champions League, back in the competitions the club should be competing in every year, and now I've made it into the Brazil national team.

"I hope it's as successful as it was there and that I can give my best in the roles I'm most used to playing.

"My dream is to be 100% involved in the run-up to the World Cup; whatever [Ancelotti] needs from me, I'll try to do my very best."

Cunha, who has one goal in 21 appearances for Brazil, will get the chance to impress Ancelotti and his coaching start before their World Cup campaign begins on June 13. 

Brazil face Panama and Egypt in two pre-tournament friendlies before they take on Morocco in their opening Group C match at MetLife Stadium.

Brazil also take on Haiti on June 19 before closing their group campaign against Scotland in Miami.  

"It's a pleasure to work with the best people whose experience can be passed on to you, helping with something so huge," Cunha added.

"These people, with so much experience and such a wealth of knowledge in football, are essential at times like this.

"They're here with us so that we can achieve our goals together."