Manchester United have reportedly struck a deal with Brazil's football federation that will see Matheus Cunha given a rest in the closing weeks of the campaign. Cunha returned from a spell on the sidelines to net in United's 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian had been absent from United's win against Brentford the previous week through injury, but recovered enough to feature for Michael Carrick's side in the triumph over Liverpool.

United's victory over their fiercest rivals saw them secure a place in next season's Champions League with three fixtures still remaining.

Consequently, ESPN Brasil reports that United have reached an arrangement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to give Cunha a rest during the club's final three Premier League matches this season.

This, according to the report, is to afford Cunha as much time as possible to recuperate and be in peak condition to represent Brazil at this summer's World Cup, which is set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

United's remaining three fixtures will see them welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford, as well as take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

It remains to be seen how much playing time Cunha will receive during the remaining fixtures of the campaign, and should the aforementioned report prove accurate and the Brazilian is rested during the run-in, the return to fitness of Patrick Dorgu may provide Carrick with the opportunity to rest the Brazilian on the left side of the forward line.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Cunha arrived at United last summer from Wolves in a transfer worth £62.5million, and the forward has proceeded to net find the back of the net nine times during his debut campaign for the Red Devils.

Following his ninth strike of the season in the triumph over Liverpool, Cunha reflected on how he's adapted to life at United after his switch from Wolves last year.

"It's like I said, I feel like football is representing life," Cunha said after the win over Liverpool.

"Of course, I have hard moments and everyone needs to be strong, we need to wait for the good moments and then work so hard and I feel that it's only the start of the journey.

"But I have so many things to learn, so many things to continue, and I also have to help the team to achieve some level that I want to achieve in particular, and of course, help the group to achieve together."