Matheus Cunha has shown one Manchester United legend what he must do after the arrival of Michael Carrick as interim head coach at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old was a regular starter under Ruben Amorim in the 2025-26 Premier League season after Manchester United signed him from Wolves last summer.
Matheus Cunha is the man of the moment… what should his best position be in United’s starting XI?
Cunha
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However, Ruben Amorim’s sacking as Man Utd manager and the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim boss have been a real curveball for Matheus Cunha.
Cunha has lost his place in Red Devils XI under United legend Carrick, who has opted to deploy Patrick Dorgu in the left-sided attacking role in his tactics.
Despite Patrick Dorgu’s run of form and impact for the Red Devils, Cunha’s importance to Carrick has not waned as a key substitute option so far.
READ MORE: ‘Full marks…’ Kobbie Mainoo and Man Utd teammate stood out in Michael Carrick’s first two matches, claims Sam Allardyce
Matheus Cunha with Harry Maguire during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha climbed off the bench in Michael Carrick’s first match in charge and picked up an assist in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
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The former Wolves ace was back on the bench for Man Utd’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, but Cunha came onto the pitch to score the winner.
Patrick Dorgu, meanwhile, scored in Man Utd’s encounter against Manchester City after Cunha’s assist before netting a stunner in the Red Devils’ clash with Arsenal.
Speaking after United’s win against Arsenal, Nicky Butt suggested that he felt “sorry” for Cunha after Dorgu climbed ahead of him in the left wing role under Carrick.
Matheus Cunha had Man Utd dancing at The Emirates again 🕺
Was Cunha's goal the best he has scored for Man Utd?
Cunha
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“Cunha’s giving you an option off the bench and I do feel a bit sorry,” he said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
Man Utd’s ‘Class of ‘92’ star added: “He [Carrick] might find himself in a bad position now, Cunha, thinking, ‘I’m a really good sub to bring on, I carry the ball up the pitch, I get the fouls, kill the clock when we’re winning and I can score goals,’ he could end up being a super sub.
“Also, with the Cunha situation, I think [Bryan] Mbeumo has been brilliant as a nine. I think he’s done that job really, really well.
“He’s a handful, he’s powerful, he’s quick, you’re thinking Cunha might see himself on the bench for a good few weeks now.”
Paul Scholes told United legend Butt that he doesn’t think Cunha will be thrilled at the idea of being known as an effective ‘option off the bench’ for Carrick.
“He won’t be happy with that, no chance, he won’t be happy with that sentence,” he said.
READ MORE: Sam Allardyce thinks Man Utd star has been even more ‘dynamite’ than Bruno Fernandes under Michael Carrick
Matheus Cunha knows how to manage his Man Utd situation amid Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes’ remarks
Cunha might have dropped to the bench, but the Brazil ace now has a better chance to settle in at Old Trafford after the huge expectations that were on his shoulders.
United fans had been waiting to see Cunha’s scintillating Wolves form from last season be repeated in the current campaign and have only had bursts of moments.
How do you think Matheus Cunha fits in now Ruben Amorim has been sacked?
What is Cunha's best position in Manchester United's system?
Cunha graphic
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The most important thing about Cunha being left out of the starting XI is that the quality of the United first-team squad is now shining through in the competition.
Speaking about being dropped to the bench, Cunha told Sky Sports after the Arsenal match: “I know the quality of the group, everyone wants to play.
“The important thing is to help the team and to give everything.”
Cunha doesn’t need the sympathy of armchair pundit Nicky Butt. The Brazil and Man Utd ace knows he needs to let his talents speak louder than words ever could.
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