(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Paul Scholes has said it’s a ‘struggle’ to watch Matheus Cunha be shoehorned into a centre-forward role.
So far this season, the Brazilian has started all three Premier League games leading the line for Manchester United.
How has Cunha fared for United?
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
He has yet to open his account in front of goal, but he has registered two assists, both of which came in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town on August 30.
Cunha oversaw an impressive maiden campaign in red, returning 10 goals and four assists in 33 top-flight appearances and 2,503 minutes of action.
Football is easy for Matheus Cunha 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/dWuoR2KQnW — Premier League (@premierleague) March 21, 2026
Of those appearances, 29 were as a starter – 13 of which came under Michael Carrick, showing just how highly he’s regarded by the new manager.
Yet, Cunha has come under fire for his lacklustre showing in United’s 2-2 draw with Everton.
Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo provided the goals, while Cunha struggled to make an impact in the 70 minutes he was on the pitch.
Cunha’s heatmap vs the Toffees (Fotmob)
As per Fotmob, the 27-year-old recorded 22 accurate passes, three touches in the opposition’s box and was dispossessed twice. He also failed to register a shot on target, making it no surprise that Carrick opted to withdraw him 10 minutes earlier than he had done in the previous two games.
What Scholes had to say about Cunha
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Matheus Cunha of Manchester United looks on during the warm up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Reacting to Sunday’s affairs on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes said: “It’s very difficult to watch a Man United team without a centre forward.
“Now, what Cunha is, I don’t really know what Cunha is. What is he? A number 10 or a wide player?
“But he’s definitely not a number nine. And watching the United team without a number nine, it’s a struggle.”
It remains to be seen if Cunha will retain his place or be dropped for Thursday’s Champions League opener at home to Sabah, which is followed by the first Manchester derby of the season on Sunday in M16.
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is pictured during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on January 07, 2026 in London, England.