Tactical decisions are causing confusion for one Manchester United star
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has admitted that the Brazil team don’t know how they will play each game under Carlo Ancelotti and opened up on how his life has changed since signing for the Old Trafford outfit.
The 26-year-old’s United career is still very much in its infancy, but he is yet to register a goal or an assist for his new club. The Red Devils are in 10th place in the Premier League table after seven games, having won just three of their matches so far. The likes of Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo also joined United during the summer but Ruben Amorim’s side have not yet clicked.
Cunha has been with the Brazil squad during the international break, putting in a good performance against South Korea on Friday, with his country winning 5-0. He’ll be in action against Japan next before returning to United.
Speaking to Globo while with in Asia for Brazil’s two friendlies, Cunha explained why working with Ancelotti has been so beneficial for him, citing formation change as one of the aspects he and the team thrive from.
“One of Ancelotti’s greatest strengths is getting the best out of each player,” began the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player. “I came to the national team with this stereotype of a number nine shirt. I play my entire base as a midfielder and when I became a professional, I encountered this world of 4-3-3.
READ MORE: Barcelona make shock contract decision impacting Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd exit
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd to Barcelona transfer ‘inevitable’ on one condition
“It seems like you have to adapt: either play centre forward, winger, or eight. They eliminated the midfielder position and you have to adapt. However, I view it positively, as it has given me experience in 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.”
He continued by touching on his experience with United – something which Ancelotti has been speaking to him about: “I’ve been very happy to be here for a while, especially now with Ancelotti. We talk about the games at Manchester, the positioning between the lines and without a doubt, we have the freedom to be ourselves and perform at our best on the pitch.
“Even though we don’t know how we’ll play the next game in terms of formation, everyone feels great. Training is going really well. Even though it may seem like he’s just picking players for the same position, Ancelotti understands how to get the best out of everyone on the pitch. It’s something that makes me very happy and excited to come and perform at my best.”
One of the most high-profile signings of the summer, Cunha’s presence at the elite level was massively boosted after securing a move to United. The fiery forward touched on this when speaking to A Bola.
“I try as hard as possible to adapt and learn,” he said. “It’s only been two months, but it feels like I’ve been at the club for a long time. Given the current situation and the fact that I have to deliver results as quickly as possible because I’m a new signing.
“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. 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 Matheus plays.
“It makes it easier for fans to follow the games. Manchester Utd games are shown more on Brazilian television. I left the country very young and being able to follow me every week connects me with them because United is a club with many Brazilian fans.”
In an interview with GE while in Seol during the international break, Cunha also noted that being a Brazilian international while at United brings fresh perspective for him.
“Being here now with the national team, at United, is, without a doubt, a different level, a different moment as a player,” he said.
“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.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
