Manchester United claimed a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Matheus Cunha was the decisive figure on the afternoon.
After the final whistle, the Brazilian forward spoke to ESPN Brazil and broke down the long-range goal that sealed the victory.
Asked about the move in detail, Cunha explained how the situation developed quickly in front of him. He stressed how the defensive line dropping back created the opening. He also highlighted the challenge posed by Gabriel Magalhães.
“When I control the ball, I see the defence dropping back a little bit and that gives me better space to set myself. I see Gabriel coming straight away, and I know how good Gabriel is. We play together with the national team, so I knew he would try everything to block the shot, so the finish had to be perfect.”
Confidence in his trademark finish
On the type of finish he attempted, Cunha made it clear this is one of his favourite actions on the pitch. He underlined how confidence plays a key role in those split-second decisions.
“That shot is probably the one I like to take the most,” he said. “I have scored a few goals like that, and I am sure that when I saw that chance, I felt a lot of confidence to hit that small space, knowing it would be very difficult for Raya because he was already covering so much of the goal. In a matter of seconds, all of that goes through your head.”
Casemiro’s leadership at Manchester United
Cunha then turned his attention to Casemiro. He praised the midfielder’s influence inside the Manchester United dressing room. He also pointed to his leadership beyond the pitch.
“I only have incredible words to say about Casemiro. Since I arrived, he has shown himself to be, man… he is my captain of captains with the national team, so I have known his leadership for a long time. But this side of him as a teammate, as a friend, showing someone who is arriving now the paths, what is good, what is not so good inside the club.”
He expanded on Casemiro’s resilience and experience. Cunha framed it as a lesson for others at the club.
“Without any doubt, with all the history he has, having endured the process and shown that he knows how to go through it, come back and turn things around, it shows how great he is and why he has so many achievements in his career. We just have to take him as an example, try to do our best and, as I said, understand that we are at the highest level and these things happen. We have to move forward, which is the most important thing.”
World Cup mindset
Finally, Cunha addressed his international ambitions. He reflected on a difficult previous World Cup cycle. He also explained how his mindset has changed.
“I went through another World Cup cycle and it was difficult for me, it was very painful. So what I can say is that I am much calmer now as well. I think that when you are older, it is time to be a bit calmer and let things happen as they should.”
“However, without any doubt, I am focused on the day-to-day, on what you can control. Going out there and giving your best is something you have to fully control and never fall short of. So, without any doubt, I am happy to have helped, to have shown once again who I am, and I think the most important thing is to leave here with the win today.”
The comeback at the Emirates was a statement result in a demanding Premier League campaign. Cunha’s performance combined composure, confidence and leadership at key moments, and Manchester United will continue to rely on his quality to maintain momentum.