Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has heaped praise on Matheus Cunha ahead of the Premier League game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford this evening.
The Red Devils ended a nine-match winless streak with a splendid comeback victory over Roma.
They trailed 2-0 after just 17 minutes in the Champions League game but managed to turn around the result after the break. Cunha won a penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted, before scoring a late brace.
The 3-2 home victory has improved the atmosphere around the club, and speaking in his pre-match presser before Villa’s visit, Carrick was clearly impressed by Cunha’s contribution on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old said that Cunha was fantastic and close to his best against Roma, and he definitely has to repeat that performance against Unai Emery’s side.
He told Manutd.com: “He definitely has to repeat that performance.
“He was fantastic and that’s him close to his best and that’s the level where we want to see, not just from him, but from the team.
“I think the beauty of Matheus is he can play different positions across the frontline. He’s played off the left for us and did ever so well last season.
“He’s played off the left, he’s played through the middle at times. He played half through off the left, half through the middle.
“I think that bit of freedom and fluidity I think suits him a lot. But he can do both, for sure, he can do both.”
The 27-year-old has had a good season thus far with eight goal contributions in 13 appearances.
He has four goal involvements in the top-flight but two of those came in the Red Devils’ only league win of the season against Ipswich Town.
Cunha has gone through a lean phase in the league and needs to step up with a big performance against Villa, who are a better side than Roma.
The Midlands outfit will pose a scoring threat against United’s vulnerable backline, and the Red Devils may have to score more than once to come on top.
Cunha should relish the challenge, having netted in each of his previous four meetings against Villa, including last season’s 3-1 win at Old Trafford.
United start the day 18th in the league after Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win over Manchester City.
They could drop to 20th before the evening kick-off against Villa if Crystal Palace draw and Sunderland win their respective matches against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Regardless, today’s game is a must-win for United and Carrick. Any other result could see the hierarchy consider a managerial change during the international break.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com