Matheus Cunha has so far made a mockery of the ” Man Utd shirt weighs heavily” claim by becoming an instant fan favourite at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian has brought the trademark sizzle and dribble that has lifted the mood at Old Trafford, already becoming the player Man Utd look towards to make a difference.
Matheus Cunha revealed when he joined Man Utd that Antony is his favourite Brazilian to play for the club, which doesn’t do justice to the nation’s rich footballing pedigree.
The answer to the question was almost a no-brainer, had Ronaldinho joined the club in that fated summer of 2003. Cunha revealed that Ronaldinho still feels the slightest regret about it.
Ronaldinho arrives at the stadium before the Zico All-Star Game match between World Legends and Japan Legends at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA on July 27, 2025
Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images
What Ronaldinho told Matheus Cunha about Man Utd move
Cunha was in some esteemed company when his move to United was announced, being with Vinicius Jr, Ronaldo Nazario, and Ronaldinho in Brazil.
That’s Brazilian royalty if there ever was one, and Cunha will hope to one day believably stand alongside them in the annals of Brazilian football history.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Cunha revealed Ronaldinho’s first reaction when he told him he was joining Man Utd, and it was one of equal parts excitement and regret.
Cunha said: “Ronaldinho said, ‘Wow! It’s one of the best clubs in the world. You deserve that. I had the opportunity to play there. It would be amazing to play there. It is an unbelievable club’. He wished to play at Old Trafford. He was in a good mood, perfect mood.”
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The United No. 10 also received an endorsement of the club from Ronaldo, who had one of the greatest performances in football history with his hat-trick at Old Trafford with Real Madrid.
Cunha said: “Ronaldo talked about when he played here, everything at Old Trafford. When they say that, the ‘check’ is already there.”.
Cunha ticks the most important box at Man Utd
Many players have come and gone at Man Utd, especially after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, and Cunha, as it stands, probably isn’t even in the top five when it comes to pure talent.
Players like Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, or Anthony Martial arguably had even more natural talent than Cunha, but they lacked one thing.
Cunha is a pure mentality monster, which is half the battle when it comes to succeeding at Man Utd.
He raises his game to match the expectations at the club, instead of complaining that the pressure isn’t allowing him to play at his best.
He ticks the most important box at the club, and with Ronaldinho and Ronaldo’s endorsement, is only more driven to make an impact here.