Matheus Cunha Poised to Ignite Old Trafford as Man Utd's Next Cult Legend
It felt like instant chemistry: Matheus Cunha and Manchester United.
Their fresh £62.5 million forward needed just 20 minutes to find his rhythm at Old Trafford, discovering his footing, his pace, and a pathway to United supporters' affections. While Cunha didn't generate numerous opportunities in Sunday's 1–0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal, he certainly made his mark.
Cunha possesses charisma, and United fans yearn for a player with character. The Brazilian is a free spirit, creative, sometimes confrontational, always passionate. He represents exactly the kind of player United followers cherish: a nonconformist with purpose—their purpose.
No one would venture to compare Cunha with club icons like Eric Cantona or Wayne Rooney. Cantona was such an inspiration that Sir Alex Ferguson once searched Paris on a motorcycle when his beloved Frenchman disappeared. Rooney was so productive he became the club's leading goalscorer with 253 strikes. Both had the confidence, even arrogance, plus the technical skills and strength to wear that iconic red jersey without being crushed by tradition and expectations.
Can Cunha handle it? Early indicators suggest the new acquisition from Wolverhampton Wanderers won't be intimidated by the burden of representing United. His self-confidence will be nourished by the massive, passionate United support that worships those who perform for the badge, entertain them, and strive for victory. The Stretford End grew weary of the former No.10, Marcus Rashford, feeling he seldom provided value following his enhanced deal in 2023.
Now they have a fresh favorite, a potential folk hero. The clear takeaway from Sunday (besides signing an elite keeper) is to get Cunha involved as the left-sided No. 10 in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation. Get him surging toward goal.
Cunha doesn't merely handle the ball. He directs it to accompany him on an adventure deep into opposition territory. Eight touches with his right foot carried the ball past Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel. Cunha spotted the rapid William Saliba approaching so released his shot quickly, insufficient to worry David Raya but displaying enough of his blend of skill and power at speed to thrill United supporters.
His precise control in confined areas, determination and improved decision-making were all sharpened while playing futsal in Recife, Brazil. So was the Zidane spin, whisking the ball away from Jurriën Timber, then Kai Havertz.
Without the ball, Cunha harassed Raya, pursued Havertz and sprinted back to pressure Gabriel Martinelli. He confronted opponents like White whom he considered were delaying play. It was a display that merited more concrete reward than mere applause. Cunha should have earned a penalty late when fouled by Saliba.
It's just one match. Cunha must maintain it. He needs to remain more controlled. He was cautioned 18 times in 72 matches for Wolves. Last March, he clashed with Milos Kerkez, the combative defender then at Bournemouth, was sent off for a headbutt and required restraining by teammates and security in the tunnel.
The episode provides revealing insight into Cunha's nature and some parallels to Cantona and Rooney when feeling wrongly treated. Cunha questioned the fourth official Rob Jones why Kerkez hadn't also been expelled. He was also frustrated by Wolves' own security personnel attempting to remove him. Cunha kept instructing them to stop touching him.
Jones directed the staff away, and spoke to Cunha privately. "He was clearly upset about the entire situation," Jones told the independent regulatory panel reviewing the incident. "But after I conversed with him calmly and explained the reasons for his dismissal he agreed to go to his changing room. He was never disrespectful or hostile with me at any point." He simply wanted clarification. Cunha still received an additional one-match suspension for "behaving improperly" beyond the mandatory three for violent behavior.
United have conducted thorough research into Cunha's personality. They understand his need to be treated respectfully, even when he has clearly made mistakes initially. Cunha also received a two-match ban last December for elbowing an Ipswich security guard trying to guide him off the field after a post-match altercation. Again, Cunha's conduct involved overreaction—he damaged the security man's spectacles—followed by remorse. He purchased replacement glasses. United fans embrace a maverick, but Amorim will be cautious that Cunha has a temper that can ignite.
Perhaps that intensity will fade now Cunha has a stage he feels matches his ability. He's 26. He needs to establish himself at a club and perform. Cunha's career has been marked by mild restlessness so far, moving rapidly between Sion, RB Leipzig, Hertha BSC and Atlético Madrid where he disagreed with Diego Simeone and was loaned to Wolves with a purchase obligation.
Other managers have—occasionally—criticized his lack of finishing (Julian Nagelsmann at Leipzig), his work ethic (Pál Dárdai at Hertha) and his attitude (Vítor Pereira at Wolves). Only 15 appearances (and one goal) in four years for Brazil suggests he hasn't always impressed national team coaches. But perhaps Cunha is developing: He has featured in both of Carlo Ancelotti's matches in charge. Amorim clearly values him tremendously.
Rival players certainly admire him. "All the best for your career bro!" Jamie Vardy wrote on his Leicester shirt he gave Cunha. "What a player." It's early stages, Cunha must prove himself match after match, but United fans are sharing Vardy's sentiment.