I'm going to have that weight' - Matheus Cunha admits there is 'confusion' around his playing style after being brought to Man Utd to score goals

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Manchester United star Matheus Cunha admits that he has to carry the "weight" of being a goalscorer at Manchester United, although he admits there is some "confusion" over how he plays. The Brazil international joined the club in the summer for a fee of £62.5 million ($83m) and has yet to catch fire at Old Trafford.

Cunha a big-money signing

Cunha may have joined United for a major fee in the summer but he has yet to score his first goal for the club, despite making six Premier League appearances. He 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. Before that, he had only hit double-figures once in his career, and Cunha says he is actually more of a midfielder. 

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."

At the Olympics that year, Brazil won the Gold medal, beating Spain in the final; Cunha, then on the cusp of joining Atletico Madrid, scored against Saudi Arabia, Egypt and La Roja. 

Matheus Cunha Manchester United 2025-26

Cunha claims midfield position was 'eliminated'

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."

"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 enjoying personal life

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."

Matheus Cunha-brazil-20250610

What comes next?

United are currently 10th in the Premier League table and face Liverpool after the international break as they attempt to return to form. Cunha will hope to make a real impact against the Reds, as he is still awaiting his coming-out performance for the club after his move from Wolves. 

He added: "Being here now with the national team, at United, is, without a doubt, a different level, a different moment as a player. I'm trying 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 deliver results as quickly as possible, because I'm a new signing... All of this helps me adapt more quickly and feel my best with the national team."