Matheus Cunha arrived at Manchester United with the fans having high expectations of the Brazilian. With a blip thanks to injury, Cunha has brought flair, versatility, and relentless energy to United’s attacking lineup. He’s quickly won the fans over thanks to his ability to press, create chances, and link up play.
He is currently on international duty with Brazil and has spoken to Globo about his understanding of the pressure on his shoulders to perform and help turn things around at Old Trafford.
I try as much as possible to adapt, to learn. It’s only been two months, but it feels like I’ve been here for a long time because of the club’s current situation, because I have to get results as quickly as possible because I’m a big signing.
We live in a constant search for something. Even though a difficult moment when you’re pursuing a dream and encountering a few obstacles leaves you feeling a bit lost, wanting to understand, and despite having so much, you don’t feel fulfilled by what you’ve achieved and have to constantly remember where you came from to understand where you’ve arrived.
What I was searching for as a person more than anything else, I’m slowly finding. You constantly want to improve; that’s innate in human nature, but I can’t help but stop and enjoy this moment. Feeling privileged to wear the jersey of the greatest national team in the world, one of the greatest clubs in the world… It’s a spectacular personal moment. I have an incredible family, another little girl now, everyone is doing well and healthy. I’m enjoying all of this in a positive way.
Cunha believes making the move from Wolves to United brings more attention and his position isn’t set in stone yet, for his country at least.
I think because I play for Manchester and people watch me more on the field, they understand how I play better. I think it’s part of having that weight (of being seen as a centre forward), which is a privilege. It’s a weight that comes after the Tokyo Olympics. And if I’m going to have that weight and be champion, I think it’s worth putting up with some of the confusion surrounding my playing position.
