Matheus Cunha makes it ten Brazilian players in the history of Manchester United following his move from Wolves earlier in the summer, joining a list composed of players who have majorly failed to fulfill expectations at Old Trafford.

Since José Kléberson made the switch from Atlético Paranaense in 2003 to be. However, the first Brazilian player in the ranks of Manchester United, eight others have followed, and the stories haven't been that impressive.

While the majority were signed as prospects waiting to explode on the bigger stage, but never reached that predicted level at the club, others arrived towards the end of their careers but could not sustain their world-class status for long.

From José Kléberson to Anderson and the twins, we take a look at the nine Brazilian players in the history of Manchester United who have served, and are still serving, before Matheus Cunha joins the list to make it ten.

Brazilian Players in the History of Manchester United

1. José Kléberson: 2003 to 2005

After an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign with Brazil in 2002, Kléberson became the first Brazilian to sign for Manchester United in a £5.93 million move from Atlético Paranaense in the summer of 2003.

Unfortunately, it didn't quite go well, as his inability to break into the team cost him his place on the Brazilian national team. However, he still returned to make a couple of appearances for the country.

In two seasons at Old Trafford, he made 30 appearances, scored two goals and assisted six others, winning the FA Cup in his first season. He left in 2005, joining Beşiktaş in a €3 million move.

2. Anderson: 2007 to 2014

Anderson places second in the list of Brazilian players in the history of Manchester United following his €30 million move from Portuguese giants Porto as a 20-year-old in the summer of 2007.

The midfielder spent one full season in Portugal, having joined before the end of the 2005–06 campaign and playing some part before it ended, allowing him the right to a winners’ medal in Porto's league and Cup successes. He also won the league title in his only full season.

Moving to United, he was handed the No. 8 shirt and was rotated with the other players, racking up 38 appearances as the club won the league and Champions League double, with the Brazilian scoring the sixth penalty in the shootout win over Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Anderson was crowned the 2008 Golden Boy winner in December, but moving forward, injury hit his career, and he struggled to stay fit. He made 181 appearances for United in seven seasons, scoring nine goals and making 20 assists.

During his seven and a half years at United, Anderson spent six months on loan at Fiorentina in 2013–14 after falling out of favour with new manager David Moyes, where he made just eight appearances, mainly as a substitute player.

His time at the club finally came to an end in February 2015 when he secured a permanent return home to Brazil as a free agent, signing a four-year deal at Internacional.

3. Rafael da Silva: 2008 to 2015

Rafael da Silva’s time at Manchester United was marked by notable achievements. He is remembered as a talented defender who was signed by the club at a very young age alongside his twin, and went on to play a limited role in a successful era for the club.

Rafael joined in 2008 from Fluminense, as United fended off competition from fellow English club Arsenal. He quickly established himself as a reliable right-back and became a fan favourite during his early years at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian made over 160 Manchester United appearances across all competitions, contributing six goals and twelve assists. He was part of the squad that won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and Club World Cup trophies. He received a Premier League Young Player of the Year nomination in his first season in England.

Despite his abilities, injuries and fierce competition occasionally limited his consistency. In 2015, Rafael left for Lyon, ending his successful stint in Manchester.

4. Fábio da Silva: 2008 to 2014

Just like his twin, Rafael, Fábio was also snapped up by Manchester United in the joint deal. A left-back by trade, he received even more limited game time at the club compared to his brother.

Having Patrice Evra for competition and his unconvincing abilities did not help matters for the Brazilian, who was merely a squad player in all his six years at Old Trafford before permanently leaving for Cardiff City in January 2014.

Fábio was also part of United's collective success in the latter reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, although he did spend the legendary manager's final season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, as Fergie suggested he would have the game time he couldn’t have at United.

He made a total of 56 appearances for the club, 22 of which came in the Premier League, before his departure midway through David Moyes's first season at the club.

After Cardiff, Fábio went on to play for Middlesbrough, Nantes, and then returned to Brazil in 2023 to play for Grêmio.

Brazilian Players in the History of Manchester United 

5. Andreas Pereira: 2015 to 2022

Signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2011, Andreas Pereira was tipped for big things by those who have tracked his progress at the club's Academy, where he rose through the ranks and broke into the first team at a very young age.

Unfortunately, his time at Old Trafford was more about loan spells. He had stints at Granada, Valencia, and Lazio offered moments of promise, but he never convinced at United, struggling with consistency and limited opportunities.

A 2021 loan move to Flamengo gave him regular minutes and a fresh spark, but the club opted not to retain him. Pereira became a useful squad member at United, although inconsistent opportunities soon made him seek a permanent move away.

In 2022, after over a decade on United’s books, Pereira finally left on a permanent deal to Fulham, closing a chapter that never quite lived up to its early promise.

6. Fred: 2018 to 2023

Fred joined Manchester United in 2018 and quickly became a familiar name in Jose Mourinho's midfield. The Brazilian midfielder was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for a transfer fee reported to be around €59 million.

Throughout his tenure at Old Trafford, the Brazilian experienced both highs and lows. Initially, he faced criticism for inconsistency and some costly mistakes, which led to questions about his suitability at the club.

However, over time, he evolved into a key squad player under different managers, showing resilience and adaptability. His work ethic and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively earned him a measure of respect from teammates and fans alike.

In over 200 Manchester United appearances across all competitions, Fred scored 14 goals and provided 19 assists. His contribution often went beyond the numbers. His energy in pressing opponents and breaking up play was crucial in United’s midfield battles.

Notably, Fred played a vital role in United’s run to the UEFA Europa League final in 2021 and was a consistent presence in the Premier League. Although he continually faced criticism during his time at the club, the Brazilian gave his all and remained a popular figure among the fans.

He left the club in the summer of 2023 for Turkish side Fenerbahçe in a deal worth €10 million and has been very influential to the team.

7. Alex Telles: 2020 to 2022

When Alex Telles was introduced to the list of Brazilian players in the history of Manchester United, it wasn't as a star signing but to complement Luke Shaw, who spent most of the time injured.

The deal with FC Porto ín the summer window of 2020 was worth €15.4 million, with the left-back signing a four-year contract with an option of one more.

Telles went on to make exactly 50 United appearances across all competitions, contributing a few assists and key defensive contributions, although inconsistent performances and limited playing time limited his impact.

In January 2023, he was loaned to Sevilla. He eventually left for Al Nassr in a permanent move in the summer for €7 million, played two seasons before returning to Brazil to join Botafogo.

8. Casemiro: 2022 – Present

Casemiro joined Manchester United in a shock move in the summer of 2022. It started as a speculation, and many had thought it would stay that way, but reports of him informing Real Madrid of his decision to move to the English club soon started to gain ground.

Casemiro ultimately secured a €70 million move to United, arriving at the club with a reputation as one of the best holding midfielders, not only at the time but in the history of the game itself, due to his achievements at the Spanish capital.

From his debut, he quickly established himself as a vital part of United’s midfield. His performance in his first season at United earned him a shout in the Premier League Team of the Season, but he ultimately missed out.

Casemiro's impact slowed down after his first season. He has since struggled to maintain top form, a decline associated with his age. He has faced a lot of harsh criticism and almost left the club in the summer of 2024 with interest from Saudi clubs, but he remained at Old Trafford.

As of the summer of 2025, the former FC Porto man featured in 125 competitive games, scored 17 goals, and assisted 11 others. Casemiro also played a vital role in their journey to the final of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League, where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

9. Antony: 2023 – Present

Antony signed for Manchester United in a big-money move from Ajax Amsterdam. The transfer, which is reported to be worth €100 million, made him the second-most expensive Brazilian, behind Neymar Jr.'s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017.

He started on his debut, scoring a trademark goal to kick off a 3-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford, selling dreams to the fans in the process. But things soon turned sour for him at the club, and now he has a reputation as one of the worst investments Manchester United has made in years.

Antony scored 12 goals and assisted five in 96 games for the Red Devils before leaving for Real Betis on a six-month loan in January 2025. He impressed in Spain, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 games, helping them qualify for Europe and reach the Conference League final.

While in Spain, where he rediscovered his form, Antony talked about his struggles in England due to his inability to replicate his good form. He is back at the club after the successful loan spell and, as of the summer of 2025, remains a Manchester United player.

There have been talks about Betis looking to sign him again, but the club does not possess the financial buoyancy to complete the move. United are yet to make a decision, but Antony will feel he could do with a move away.

10. Matheus Cunha | Manchester United's New Brazilian

Matheus Cunha, the latest of the Brazilian players in the history of Manchester United, arrives at the prime of his career after stints in Germany and Spain before moving to Wolves.

Last season, he equalled the record for most goals by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season, and at an improving club like United with many quality players around him, he will hope to have a better time at the club than his countrymen.

The expectations are high in the league as the club will not take part in any European competition, and Cunha will be one of the major players in attack, alongside Bruno Fernandes and fellow newcomer Bryan Mbeumo.