Matheus Cunha makes honest admission over his start at Man Utd | Football

Matheus Cunha says Manchester United’s turbulent begin to the brand new season has made it feel like he has been on the club for much, for much longer.

Old Trafford bosses had little option but to contemplate an entire squad overhaul on the back of a wretched 2024/25 campaign, during which United finished with their lowest-ever points total within the Premier League.

United’s hierarchy set out their stall early on by triggering Cunha’s £62.5million release clause following an attention grabbing season with Wolves within the English top flight.

The Red Devils would go on to spend a complete of £236m over the course of a busy summer transfer window, as Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Diego Leon and Senne Lammens all followed Cunha through the doors.

But just three wins from seven within the Premier League – and a shock Carabao Cup exit by the hands of Grimsby Town – could hardly have been what Cunha had in mind when he signed on the dotted line on the Theatre of Dreams.

Cunha remains to be yet to attain or assist after seven appearances in all competitions under Ruben Amorim’s tutelage and a frustrating hamstring injury meant he missed the side’s derby defeat to Manchester City last month.

Nevertheless, a wonderful performance in Brazil’s 5-0 win over South Korea on Friday can have done wonders for Cunha’s confidence levels – and the forward might be seeking to carry his international form into United’s upcoming trip to arch-rivals Liverpool.

‘Being here now within the national team, and at United, is, indisputably, a special level, a special moment for me as a player,’ Cunha – who led Brazil’s attack – told Globo Esporte following the thumping victory.

‘I try as much as possible to adapt, to learn… it’s only been two months [since joining Manchester United], but it surely looks like I’ve been here for a very long time due to the club’s current situation.

‘I actually have to get results as quickly as possible because I’m a [big] signing… all of this helps lots to search out the variation faster and feel pretty much as good as possible within the national team.’

Cunha says he had ‘indisputably’ found the ‘happiness’ he has been looking for in his profession after joining a club of United’s stature, while also establishing himself as a daily starter for Brazil.

‘Certainly. We live in a relentless seek for something. Although a difficult moment while you’re pursuing a dream and encountering some obstacles leaves you feeling a bit lost,’ he added.

‘You desire to understand, and despite having a lot, you don’t feel fulfilled by what you’ve achieved.

‘You could have to always remember where you got here from to grasp where you’ve arrived.’

Cunha continued: ‘What I used to be trying to find as an individual greater than the rest, I’m slowly finding.

‘You always wish to improve. That’s innate in human nature, but I can’t help but stop and luxuriate in this moment.

‘Feeling privileged to wear the jersey of the best national team on this planet, one in every of the best clubs on this planet… it’s a spectacular personal moment.

‘I actually have an incredible family, one other little girl now, everyone seems to be doing well and feeling healthy. I’m having fun with all of this in a positive way.’

Cunha is relishing the possibility to assist Brazil – managed by Carlo Ancelotti – banish the memories of the 2022 World Cup at next yr’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

‘I used to be one in every of the few who didn’t go to 2022. It’s different due to the joy of being recent, of attempting to play in a World Cup, doing every part possible and inconceivable to be there,’ he explained.

‘And for many who have already been, it’s a likelihood to jot down a brand new story.

‘Last time, it wasn’t what we dreamed, and there’s this excitement, these butterflies in your stomach considering, “Man, now it’s going to occur!”, and now we have to make it occur without that unimaginable feeling that it’s far-off and difficult.

‘The group, despite being recent, has some cool experience. The fellows who’ve already competed also take with them the privilege of being here, being called up, and playing in a World Cup in a more relaxed way.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Mikel Arteta told one player will cost Arsenal the Premier League title

MORE: Roy Keane says Manchester United ought to be ‘pretty ashamed’ of controversial decision

MORE: The one transfer Chelsea will ‘regret’ as Arsenal reap rewards