Matheus Cunha is settling in at Manchester United after his £62.5m move from Wolves in June, while he is aware of the huge step up he is taking.
Manchester United are a sleeping giant right now, but the magnitude of the club remains massive worldwide, meaning the club is often too bright of a stage for signings.
This has been the case in recent years for Rasmus Hojlund and Antony in particular, with neither able to replicate their performances elsewhere with the weight of the United shirt.
When making a signing, character should be equally as important as on-field potential, but United ignored this for years, creating a weak squad with no fight or passion on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes was the only player to have the desired ability combined with attitude within the squad, often making the Portuguese midfielder a frustrated figure as he was single-handedly pushing the team forward.
However, this summer has seen a like-minded signing added to United’s squad.
Matheus Cunha admits he hopes his days of aggression are behind him
Manchester United signed Cunha from Wolves at the very start of this summer transfer window, paying the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause and immediately improving the attacking options available to Ruben Amorim in doing so.
The 26-year-old is more than just an exceptional footballer, but Cunha is also a character which the team has been severely lacking. This was made clear when Wayne Rooney lauded Cunha’s desire to fight, arguing it could lift his teammates, similarly to Eric Cantona under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Now, ahead of his second game for the club, Cunha has been speaking to MUTV after being asked about his passion and fight, but the Brazilian instead suggested that he wants to keep a cooler head from now on.
“Yeah, this [passion] is sometimes something that is very good but sometimes not the best way to do, but I am very emotional. I agree that I show my emotions in the game, I give 100% or even more because I love this game.
“Like I say, it is a privilege to play for this team, I have had a beautiful career but when you start here, I hope I can control it a little bit more.”
Cunha has often been compared with Cantona, this due to his maverick mentality and ability which sees him as a leader for United. Speaking last month about his own ability, Cunha admitted he sees himself as similar to Rooney, with both having a similar level of fight and desire in their game.
But Cunha won’t want to repeat the levels which his passion and fight reached for Wolves.
Matheus Cunha cannot repeat Wolves nightmare at Manchester United
As much as Cunha’s drive to win and aggression on the pitch is a benefit for Manchester United, he needs to remain wary of allowing it to go too far.
This was the case during the 2024/25 season when Cunha was suspended for misconduct, which saw him in a heated altercation with an Ipswich Town staff member after the final whistle.
Later last season in March, Cunha was also suspended for a prolonged period after violent conduct on the field which saw him red carded and also receive an additional ban.
Cunha has claimed this is all behind him, and he appears to be in an excellent head space for United, but as he mentioned in this interview he needs to avoid letting his emotions go too far while playing for the Red Devils.
The national press would have a field day with Cunha if he acted similarly and so his maturity needs to remain throughout.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
