Manchester United Summer signing Matheus Cunha has admitted he has to carry the weight of being a goalscorer at Old Trafford, although there has been some confusion over how he plays.
Cunha joined the club in the summer for a fee of £62.5 million ($83m) and has yet to catch fire at Old Trafford. Despite having six Premier League appearances to his name, the Brazilian is yet to score his first goal for the club.
The Brazil international has now claimed that he is not actually a traditional centre-forward, although there is a “stereotype” that follows him leading people to assume he is a natural No.9.
Last season, at Wolves, the Brazilian scored 15 league goals, having netted 12 the season prior.
Matheus Cunha in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Speaking to Globo, he said: “I think that because I play for Manchester [United] and people follow me more on the pitch, they understand better how I play. I think it’s part of having that weight, which is a privilege. It’s a weight that came after the Tokyo Olympics [for Brazil in 2021]. And if it means having that weight and becoming a champion, I think it’s worth putting up with a little bit of confusion about where [I] play.”
Cunha admits that he always played as a midfielder, before ‘encountering’ a 4-3-3 formation when he became a professional.
He added: “I came to the national team with this stereotype of a number 9 shirt. I play my entire base as a midfielder, and when I became a professional, I encountered this world of 4-3-3. It seems like you have to adapt: either play centre-forward, winger, or ‘eight’.
“They eliminated the midfielder position, and you have to adapt. But I see it positively, as it has given me experience, many more positions, and even more so in short-term tournaments with the national team. Having a versatile player is a huge help for any coach.”
Cunha admits that while he has not enjoyed a prolific start to life at United, he has found personal satisfaction, as he is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and has also become a starter for Brazil.
He added: “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.”
