Matheus Cunha: ‘United’s situation’ is weighing on players — a candid Globo interview
When it comes to Premier League players delivering candid interviews, there is nothing like an international break.
Falling into the Romelu Lukaku trap of forgetting that there are interpreters and that every word he says will be picked up and examined back on British soil, Matheus Cunha has become the most recent to wait till he is back home to express his true feelings.
Cunha conducted a sit-down interview with Globo Esporte, one of the largest sports programs in his native country, while he was on overseas service.
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The Brazilian talked for fifteen minutes about playing for Manchester United, his new manager Carlo Ancelotti, and his national squad.
Perhaps Cunha was a bit more forthcoming than he intended to be, but it’s not exactly Cristiano Ronaldo-level messing your own doorstep. Cunha said that after two months, he felt as though he had been with United for much longer due “to the club’s current situation.”
He talked about how being “a big signing” put pressure on him to start producing results as soon as feasible. He even used the third person to refer to himself at one point.
According to Cunha’s interview, the players are feeling the negative impact of the club’s disastrous reputation among supporters and commentators.
Amorim and his predecessors appear to instill a sense of crisis in the players, whereas Fergie’s United used to give them a sense of invincibility.
The greatest obstacle facing any player joining United is the pressure and expectation that accompanies the club’s one billion global supporters.
Normally, a manager’s role is to shield the players, but when he is being questioned about his employment on a regular basis, it makes sense that the players end up in the crossfire.
Success is scarcely possible in that setting, and an increasing number of gamers quit and start playing as if they don’t have a boulder on their back like Indiana Jones. In Naples, Scott McTominay is revered as a god.
At Betis, Antony resembled a football player worth £86 million far more than he did at United. Now that he is at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford appears to have recalled that playing football can be enjoyable and not a huge strain.
Rasmus Hojlund even has a striker’s appearance. If simply for the instant boost you receive upon leaving, joining United has emerged as one of the better professional choices, and it is easy to imagine a situation in which Cunha becomes another example.
Despite being signed to a system where he has no clear place, the Brazilian is unquestionably brilliant and unquestionably kept Wolves in the Premier League last season.
He was able to line up on the team sheet as a center-forward at Wolves since the club was constructed around him, but he didn’t actually play like one. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 does not appear to have any room for that.
Mason Mount’s starting position is all but certain because the Portuguese manager is not the first to fall in love with him. Since taking the lead, Benjamin Sesko has scored twice, and Bryan Mbeumo is better suited for a wide-right position than Cunha.
He might be a £62.5 million acquisition with no clear position in the squad. In response, the player mentioned his time as a midfielder in his youth before 4-3-3 took over the game and he was forced to switch to number nine.
Cunha remarked, “I had this stereotype of a number 9 shirt when I joined the national team.” As a midfielder, I covered my entire base. When I turned pro, I was introduced to the 4-3-3 system. You must adjust by playing “eight,” winger, or center-forward.
“You have to adjust because they eliminated the midfielder position. However, I view it favourably because it has equipped me with experience, numerous other positions, and even more so in short-term competitions with the national team. “Any coach can greatly benefit from having a versatile player.”
Although adaptability is a good quality, it can also make it challenging to settle into a role. Cunha started the season as a centre forward for United, but Amorim moved him deeper after Sesko was signed.
It’s possible that Cunha will be benched again for United’s upcoming away match against Liverpool, just like he was in the victory against Sunderland.
In the opening match of this international break, Cunha started up front for Brazil and, despite not scoring, contributed an assist. When his stint with Brazil is finished, he returns to United’s gloom and doom.
If two months seems like a long time, just think of how long it will feel at the end of a season that is probably going to be lacklustre.
