When Matheus Cunha unleashed his pent-up emotions with a wild celebration at the Emirates, it wasn't simply a reaction to a late goal.
That's the feeling of a player who sees his position threatened for the first time, but still chooses to speak up through football. Under Michael Carrick, Cunha never started a Premier League match, yet he became a decisive figure in the two biggest games.
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Cunha played exceptionally well in the two crucial matches against Man City and Arsenal. Photo: Reuters. |
He stepped onto the field and immediately made a difference.
Against Man City, he came on late in the game, made an intelligent run to create space to break the press, and then directly contributed to the winning goal. In the match against Arsenal, the scenario repeated itself on a higher level: in the final 21 minutes, a confident piece of skill and a dangerous curling shot beat David Raya. Two matches, two moments, and one message: Cunha doesn't need much time to change the course of a game.
The fact that he's been involved in 7 goals in 22 matches is important, but it doesn't fully reflect Cunha's value. He's the kind of player who can create game-changing moments from seemingly harmless situations.
Statistics show that Cunha is leading the team in goals scored from outside the penalty area, with 7 goals – more than Bruno Fernandes (6 goals). These shots are not only spectacular, but also reflect his confidence, ability to read space, and willingness to take responsibility under immense pressure.
Interestingly, Cunha was brought in to fit into Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, but he performed best when Carrick simplified things.
In the role of a "false nine," Cunha moves between the lines, stretching the defense and creating space for himself. Football sometimes doesn't need too many layers of tactics; it's just about putting players where they're most comfortable.
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Perhaps Cunha needed a gift from Carrick. Photo: Reuters. |
Carrick understood that, and he also understood Cunha's character. After the victory at Emirates, he gave direct praise, acknowledging the Brazilian's impact even though he wasn't in the starting lineup.
Carrick didn't shy away from the fact that Cunha was disappointed, but he emphasized how he transformed that emotion into positive energy. That's people management, something Manchester United has lacked for too long.
Cunha deserves a well-deserved reward.
Andy Cole's comments further clarify this issue. The Manchester United legend stated after the match against Arsenal: "Mbeumo is very eager to wear the Manchester United shirt, and that's a big plus. Cunha is too."
From the Manchester derby to the clash against Fulham this weekend, Cunha has only played just over 40 minutes. For a striker, that's a long time to lose his touch. Keeping a player "in top form" when they get little playing time is a real challenge.
Up until now, Carrick has handled things well. He's protected competition, maintained team discipline, and still made the most of Cunha. But if these positive effects only lead to more time on the bench, the psychological state can shift very quickly. Football isn't just about fairness, it's about the feeling of fairness.
Perhaps Dorgu's injury or a different tactical requirement before the Fulham match will open the door. Or perhaps Carrick will still choose to be cautious. Either way, the signal needs to be clear: Cunha is heading in the right direction. At Carrington, he adapted to the short, high-intensity training sessions. On the pitch, he led the team in shots from outside the box. In the dressing room, he accepted his role and waited for his moment.
Cunha did everything that was required of him. The rest was up to Carrick. It was about choosing the right moment to turn effort into belief, and belief into a solid foundation for Manchester United.
Source: https://znews.vn/cunha-da-len-tieng-gio-den-luot-carrick-tra-loi-post1623200.html
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