Matheus Cunha has gone full Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester United striker played 66 minutes in Brazil’s 2-1 last 32 win over Japan but wasn’t up to much, taken off for the eventual match-winner Gabriel Martinelli.
However, post-match he was up to plenty, lashing out at the Japan fans.
Cunha could be seen holding up five fingers, appearing to shout ‘I have five!’ in reference to Brazil’s record five World Cups.
He was then seen pushing his hand down, shouting ‘respect’.
The scenes were reminiscent of Jose Mourinho’s famous ‘respect’ rant at United, and Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant Paul Clement had to intervene.
Cunha’s reaction may have been in relation to Japan striker Kento Shiogai, who was left on the bench.
Speaking before the match, he said: “Brazil is not the same as it used to be.”
The comment went viral in Brazil, and captain Marquinhos soon responded.
“That’s enough for us,” he said. “It’s good that they keep talking to keep motivating our team.
“We’ve been here in the USA for almost a month. With great humility, we are continuing to work very hard towards our goal.
“We leave that kind of talk to the opponents, let them keep talking a lot to motivate us.”
Martinelli’s joy
Cunha’s replacement, Gabriel Martinelli, went on to score the match winner.
Speaking post-match, he had a very different take to Cunha.
Martinelli said: “I have no words to describe the joy in my heart seeing all the Brazilian people happy with the qualification.
“Seeing my family, my wife, my father and my mother. My friends… I can’t explain what I feel, it hasn’t sunk in yet, it will only sink in after a while.
“I spoke to my family the other day, that I had hit the post and would have another opportunity.
“Thank God I managed to score today. I am very happy for the team, which gave its all. I’m speechless.”
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