Matheus Cunha is winning new friends at Manchester United, not least because he's putting in the hard yards to help the team become successful again and is proving a hit behind the scenes
Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates Harry Maguire's winner at Liverpool last weekend
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates Harry Maguire's winner at Liverpool last weekend
View 2 Images
Matheus Cunha arrived at Manchester United with a reputation for being hard to handle. Someone who could be a complicated character. Jovial and easing going off the pitch, but a firebrand on it.
As the red cards he got for Wolves showed. There were even some reservations at boardroom level at United, about if he would be the right fit for a club where the pressure and intrusion is relentless. But Ruben Amorim was determined to sign the Brazilian.
He spent six months pouring over video footage of the attacking midfielder, while canvassing his contacts in the game about the qualities of someone United were about to invest huge sums in. Because in his first 11 months as manager, Amorim has come to appreciate what it takes to succeed at one of the world's biggest clubs.
Amorim is a stickler for work ethic. So the United manager is said to have been left hugely impressed when he saw Cunha turn up at the club's Carrington training complex last Thursday.
The international break had finished, but Amorim had told his squad to report back 24 hours later, on the Friday, to work on preparations for the daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. But Cunha reported earlier than expected, and could be seen doing a light gym session on his own.
A United source said: "That one instance is reflective of his attitude and dedication.
"He came off the pitch at Anfield exhausted, because he'd given absolutely everything. But he was still happy to do numerous interviews with broadcasters afterwards, which reflects what kind of bloke he is."
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha is winning new friends with his attitude and application at Manchester United
View 2 Images
United staff are said to be 'impressed' with how courteous and polite Cunha is around the place. Qualities not always associated with top level footballers.
Cunha leads a clean life, and is more than willing to carry out contractual duties, which involve players like him meeting commercial partners, sponsors and charities. Yet his most impressive attributes can be found on the pitch - and not just in games.
Get up to 60% off Premier League kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image
Cunha has been known to be aggressive in squad sessions, even taking the ball from team-mates in a bid to show he can dominate proceedings. Amorim likes that.
The United source added: "He's a popular guy. He's part of the strong group of Portuguese and Spanish speaking players in the dressing room.
"He can help bring the squad together. The manager is delighted with how he's set about the challenge of representing the club.
"There's been no sign whatsoever of the so-called 'bad boy' reputation created by his red cards at Wolves."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. 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.