Manchester United supporters were on their feet at full-time, but the ovation wasn’t solely for the 3-2 victory over Fulham—it was for Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward whose performance, according to Michael Carrick, fundamentally altered the course of the game.
While the scoreline reflects a closely contested win, Carrick’s post-match comments left no doubt about where the real credit lay.
The United manager’s praise was emphatic, heartfelt, and unmistakably high in intensity. Speaking to the press, Carrick declared,
“All hail Matheus Cunha. Fans need to remember this performance. Today, he was literally everything I needed to secure the win. I am so disappointed that Amorim nearly ended his career. This is exactly the kind of shutdown beast required to dominate any opponent.”
Those words underline just how pivotal Cunha has become in Manchester United’s plans. He wasn’t just a key player; he was the heartbeat of the team on a night when determination, intelligence, and authority were needed in equal measure.
Dominance From the First Whistle
From the opening seconds, Cunha displayed a rare combination of hunger, aggression, and tactical intelligence.
He pressed Fulham relentlessly, physically challenged defenders, and tracked back whenever necessary, all while maintaining the composure and sharpness to hurt the opposition in the attacking third. Every sprint, every tackle, every pass had purpose.
Each touch carried intent and reinforced his authority on the field, signaling that this wasn’t merely a show of flair but a performance built on control and mastery.
The fans sensed it immediately. With each surge forward, with every duel won, energy rippled through Old Trafford. By the final whistle, it was evident that the stadium had witnessed a statement performance—a player carrying the team on his shoulders while simultaneously instilling belief in his teammates.
“A Shutdown Beast”
Carrick’s description of Cunha as a “shutdown beast” was precise, not hyperbolic. Cunha didn’t just contribute offensively; he neutralized Fulham’s most dangerous outlets, disrupted their build-up play, and constantly dragged defenders out of position, creating openings for others.
In today’s football, players who can dominate both defensively and offensively are invaluable, and Cunha showcased this dual capacity flawlessly.
Redemption and Reflection
Carrick also alluded to Cunha’s near-miss in terms of career trajectory. United fans were reminded how close the club came to losing him, a scenario that would have robbed them of witnessing this defining performance. Instead, they watched a player reborn—confident, fearless, and utterly relentless.
Fans Unite in Acclaim
Across social media, praise for Cunha poured in. Supporters lauded his work rate, leadership, and intelligent reading of the game.
Many called it one of his finest performances in a United shirt, a testament to his growth and a reminder of why he was brought to the club in the first place.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a message. Matheus Cunha didn’t merely help Manchester United secure three points—he announced himself as a cornerstone of the team’s identity, a player capable of shaping games, inspiring teammates, and commanding matches at the highest level.
