It seems Matheus Cunha means to add his name to the growing list of players who discover their finest form after bidding farewell to Manchester United. In a frank interview with Brazil’s Globo Esporte during the international break, Cunha reflected on his brief, yet tumultuous tenure at the club, describing his two-month stay as feeling considerably longer.
The absence of domestic fixtures offers players an opportunity to speak candidly, and Cunha seized this moment to express his thoughts whilst back home, appearing oblivious to the attentiveness of British media. During his 15-minute discussion, he touched upon matters ranging from his pride in representing Brazil to his experience under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti, subtly airing grievances about his time at Manchester United.
While his comments may not have reached the incendiary nature of Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous exit, Cunha revealed more than the club might have preferred. His acknowledgment of feeling immense pressure to deliver due to his status as a “big signing” hinted at the weight of the club’s ongoing struggles infiltrating the dressing room. The image of the indomitable United spirit, sculpted during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, seems a distant memory, replaced by a sense of crisis reportedly pervading manager Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
Managing in such a volatile environment poses significant challenges. While playing for a club with a global fanbase of one billion should be aspirational, the accompanying expectations and scrutiny can be burdensome. Ordinarily, a manager’s role would involve shielding players from external pressures, yet with Amorim himself under constant scrutiny, it’s no wonder the squad is ensnared in the maelstrom of criticism.
This atmosphere rarely breeds success, as evidenced by those who depart the club only to experience a rejuvenation. Scott McTominay has become a cult hero at Napoli, Antony displays his £86 million quality at Real Betis, and Marcus Rashford rediscovered the joy of the game in Barcelona. Even Rasmus Hojlund seems to have found his scoring boots. It’s conceivable that Cunha, too, could thrive post-United, leaving his troubled stint in the red jersey behind.
Cunha’s undeniable talent was pivotal for Wolves in the Premier League last season. Yet, at United, he seems a square peg in a round hole within Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, which offers no natural place for his unique abilities. With the likes of Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko locking down starting spots, Cunha’s role remains uncertain despite his £62.5 million price tag.
In his interview, Cunha reminisced about his formative years as a midfielder before transitioning to the role of number nine within modern football’s tactical landscape. This positional versatility brings richness to his game but complicates his ability to secure a consistent role. Despite initially deploying Cunha as a centre-forward, Amorim has since utilised him deeper, with his benching against Sunderland possibly foreshadowing his exclusion from the starting XI against Liverpool.
During the international break, Cunha contributed an assist while playing for Brazil, reinforcing his value on the pitch. Returning to United’s challenging climate, Cunha’s two-month tenure might already feel exhaustive, with little promise of respite over a potentially disappointing season’s stretch.