🚨🗣️ Matheus Cunha Reveals His True Position at Manchester United

Matheus Cunha has lifted the lid on his role under new manager Ruben Amorim, explaining the tactical vision behind his arrival at Old Trafford and why he believes playing as a No. 10 suits his strengths best. Speaking in a recent interview, the Brazilian forward made it clear that Amorim has tasked him with bringing creativity and dynamism to Manchester United’s midfield-forward link, a responsibility he says he fully embraces.

“It’s something that Ruben Amorim brought me here to change. I think my perfect position to play is around the middle, a little bit between the midfield and the striker,” Cunha explained.

“So, a No. 10, I think this is the position that is easier to understand, behind the forward, where you can create much more space. This is the position they brought me here for, it is somewhere I feel comfortable, and I hope I can bring some creativity to the team.”

United fans have been eagerly awaiting Cunha’s return from injury, and his comments give an exciting glimpse into how Amorim plans to use him in the coming months.

Why Amorim Wanted Cunha

Ruben Amorim has been clear since his arrival at Manchester United that the team needed greater balance between defense and attack. United have long struggled to establish control in the final third, often relying on moments of individual brilliance from Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, or others. Amorim, however, prefers structure, fluidity, and specific tactical roles.

Cunha, who has played in various forward positions throughout his career, brings versatility but also a very specific skillset that Amorim values: the ability to knit play together. The manager has identified him not as a traditional striker or winger but as the advanced connector—operating between the midfield and attack, facilitating movement, and creating opportunities.

This is why Amorim sees him as a No. 10 rather than a pure forward. Cunha’s dynamism, close control, and intelligence in tight spaces make him perfect for finding gaps and linking with the striker ahead of him.

Cunha as a No. 10: Breaking It Down

The No. 10 role has always carried a special mystique at Manchester United. From Eric Cantona to Wayne Rooney, and more recently Bruno Fernandes, the position has often been occupied by players capable of shaping games with creativity and vision. Cunha’s interpretation of the role could bring something slightly different—less of a traditional playmaker and more of a roaming, disruptive force.

Here’s how Cunha could transform the role:

Space Creator: Cunha excels at dragging defenders out of position with clever movement. By floating between the lines, he can create space for the striker ahead of him or for wide players like Rashford or Antony to cut inside.
Ball Carrier: One of Cunha’s strongest attributes is his ability to carry the ball past opponents. Unlike some playmakers who rely primarily on passing, Cunha can directly attack space with the ball at his feet, breaking through defensive setups.
Pressing Trigger: Amorim’s system thrives on coordinated pressing. Having Cunha in the No. 10 position allows United to press higher and smarter, as he can lead the line of pressure behind the striker, disrupting opposition build-up play.
Support for the Striker: Rather than being isolated, United’s striker—whether it’s Rasmus Højlund or another option—will benefit from Cunha’s presence nearby. His ability to combine in tight areas ensures the striker isn’t left to battle center-backs alone.

In short, Cunha’s deployment as a No. 10 could inject fresh energy into a role that has often relied too heavily on Fernandes.

Complementing Bruno Fernandes

One of the biggest questions raised by Cunha’s statement is how he and Bruno Fernandes will fit into the same team. Fernandes has been Manchester United’s primary creative outlet for years, operating in advanced midfield positions. On paper, Cunha and Fernandes occupy similar spaces, which could raise concerns about overlap.

However, Amorim is tactically flexible. It’s possible he envisions a setup where Fernandes plays slightly deeper as a more advanced central midfielder (a No. 8), with Cunha as the roaming No. 10. In this scenario, Fernandes would still have license to push forward but would also help dictate tempo from midfield, while Cunha focuses on linking directly with the attack.

Alternatively, Amorim could rotate them depending on the opponent—sometimes using Cunha as the No. 10 and Fernandes wider or deeper, other times playing Fernandes centrally while Cunha starts from the left or right but drifts inside. This variety would make United less predictable.

What Cunha Brings That United Have Missed

Since the departure of Paul Pogba and Juan Mata, Manchester United have often lacked a midfielder capable of gliding past opponents while also providing end product. Cunha’s qualities bridge this gap:

Dribbling Under Pressure: His ability to escape markers in congested areas helps United retain possession in advanced zones.
High Energy: Unlike some playmakers who prefer to conserve energy for attacking phases, Cunha presses relentlessly and contributes defensively.
Creativity Without Predictability: While Fernandes often attempts ambitious passes, Cunha’s approach is more varied—dribbling, short combinations, and quick layoffs—which makes him harder to mark.

This blend of attributes could be the missing ingredient Amorim has been seeking in his evolving tactical blueprint.

The Injury Setback

United fans have yet to fully enjoy Cunha’s influence due to his injury setback. The Brazilian has been sidelined during the early part of the season, and Amorim has had to experiment with other solutions in the No. 10 role. His imminent return, however, has been met with growing anticipation.

Cunha himself reassured fans that he’s “just getting started,” promising to deliver once he’s fully fit. The timing of his return could prove crucial, especially with a packed fixture list and the Manchester derby looming on the horizon.

Long-Term Potential at Old Trafford

At just 25, Cunha is entering what should be the prime of his career. Manchester United’s decision to invest in him reflects a belief that he can be a central piece of their project under Amorim.

If he settles into the No. 10 role successfully, he could become a cornerstone of the squad for years to come—offering Amorim both creativity and work rate. His flexibility also ensures that if United adapt formations, Cunha can feature as a second striker, a false nine, or even as an advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3.

The prospect of him building chemistry with Rasmus Højlund, Kobbie Mainoo, and Fernandes excites supporters. United’s attacking structure has often been too reliant on Rashford’s goals; with Cunha in the mix, the Red Devils could develop a more balanced and unpredictable attacking force.

A Message to the Fans

Cunha’s comments also serve as reassurance to fans who have been eager to understand his role in the team. There had been speculation over whether he was signed to compete with Højlund as a striker or to fill in on the wings. By clarifying that Amorim brought him in to play as a No. 10, Cunha has settled that debate.

His message—“Hopefully I’m back soon”—is music to United supporters’ ears. The creativity, unpredictability, and intensity he promises could transform United’s attack in ways they’ve long craved.

Conclusion

Matheus Cunha’s revelation about his role at Manchester United is more than just a positional clarification—it’s a statement of intent. Amorim wants him to be the creative engine behind the striker, a disruptive yet intelligent No. 10 who links midfield and attack seamlessly.

For fans, the thought of Cunha returning from injury and stepping into that role is tantalizing. His energy, creativity, and versatility could give United a new dimension, reducing their reliance on Fernandes while adding depth to Amorim’s tactical options.

United’s season is still young, but Cunha’s words provide a clear picture of where he fits into the project. If he can deliver on his promise once he’s back on the pitch, Manchester United may finally have found the creative spark they’ve been missing.

And as Cunha himself said—he’s just getting started. 🔴🔥

#GGMU #MUFC

🚨🗣️ Matheus Cunha Reveals His True Position at Manchester United