Tactical decisions are causing confusion for Manchester United star
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has admitted he doesn’t know how the Brazilian team will play each game under coach Carlo Ancelotti, and has spoken about how his life has changed since signing for the Old Trafford outfit.
The 26-year-old is still in the early stages of his United career and is yet to register a goal or assist for his new club. The Red Devils are in 10th place in the Premier League after seven games, having won just three games so far. The likes of Benjamin Sesco and Brian Mbeumo joined United in the summer, but Ruben Amorim’s side have yet to hit the ground running.
Cunha was with the Brazil national team during the international break and performed well in Friday’s match against South Korea, which they won 5-0. He will play in the next game against Japan before returning to United.
While in Asia for Brazil’s two friendlies, Cunha gave an interview to Globo and explained why working with Ancelotti has been so beneficial for him, citing formation changes as one of the aspects in which he and the team will improve.
“One of Ancelotti’s biggest strengths is getting the best out of each player,” said the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player. “I came to the national team with the stereotype of being a number 9. I played all over the home field as a midfielder and when I turned professional I discovered this 4-3-3 world.
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“It seems that I have to adapt. I play either as a centre-forward, as a winger or as an eight. They abolished the midfielder position, so I have to adapt. But I look at it positively, because it gave me more experience in the position and even more experience in short tournaments with the national team. Having versatile players is a big help for any manager.”
He went on to touch on the United experience that Ancelotti has spoken about, saying: “I’m very happy to be here for a while, especially now with Ancelotti. We’re talking about the game in Manchester and the positioning between the lines, but definitely we have the freedom to be ourselves and give our best performance on the pitch.”
“We don’t know how we’ll play the next game in terms of formation, but everyone feels great. Training is going very well. It may seem like he’s picking players in the same position, but Ancelotti understands how to bring out the best in everyone on the pitch. I’m very happy and excited to go into the game and give our best performance.”
One of the most high-profile players of the summer, Cunha has significantly increased his presence at elite level after securing a move to United. The fiery forward touched on this when speaking to A. Bora.
“I’m trying as hard as I can to adapt and learn,” he said. “Although it has only been two months, it feels like I have been at the club for a long time. Considering the current situation and the fact that I am a new member and have to get results as soon as possible.
“I play for Manchester United and I think because people follow me on the pitch they understand how I play better. That’s part of having that weight and it’s a privilege. It’s the weight that came after the Tokyo Olympics. And I think it’s worth putting up with a little bit of confusion about where Matthäus will play if it means being a champion with that weight.”
“It has become easier for fans to follow the matches. Manchester United matches are now often shown on Brazilian TV. I left the country very young, but I am able to follow them every week and stay connected to them because United is a club with a large Brazilian following.”
In an interview with GE during his international break in Seoul, Cunha also said that being a Brazil international gave him a new perspective during his time at United.
“Being here now, being part of the national team, being at United, it’s definitely a different level and a different moment as a player,” he said.
“I’m trying as much as I can to adapt and learn… It’s only been two months, but because of the current situation at the club, I have to get results as soon as possible, and because I’m a new signing, it feels like I’ve been here for a long time… All this is helping me adapt faster and feel my best in the national team.”
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