Matheus Cunha's journey away from Manchester United has sparked an intriguing narrative, highlighting the challenges players face when joining a club with such a massive global fan base.
In a recent interview with Globo Esporte, Cunha revealed the pressure he felt at United, a club where the weight of expectation can be overwhelming. He admitted to feeling the strain of being a 'big signing' and the need to deliver results quickly. This pressure, it seems, is not unique to Cunha, as other players who have left United have thrived elsewhere, seemingly relieved of the burden they carried at Old Trafford.
But here's where it gets controversial... The interview also sheds light on the club's current atmosphere, which is far from ideal for success. Cunha's words suggest that the negative aura surrounding United is affecting the players, a stark contrast to the invincibility Fergie's United once exuded.
With a new manager, Ruben Amorim, facing questions about his tenure, it's understandable that the players feel the heat. The environment, as Cunha's interview hints, is not conducive to thriving, and this has been evident in the performances of several players who have since found their groove away from United.
Take Scott McTominay, for instance, who has become a revered figure in Naples, or Antony, who looked more like an £86 million player at Betis than he did at United. Even Marcus Rashford seems to have rediscovered the joy of football in Barcelona.
So, is joining United a smart career move? Well, it certainly seems to provide an immediate boost upon departure. Cunha, a talented player who kept Wolves in the Premier League, may be the next example of this phenomenon.
Cunha's situation is unique; he was signed into a system where his role is unclear. At Wolves, the team was built around him, allowing him to play as a centre-forward, but in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, his position is less defined.
The Portuguese manager's preference for Mason Mount and the emergence of Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo further complicate Cunha's role. Cunha himself acknowledged this, mentioning his youth days as a midfielder before the game shifted towards 4-3-3 formations, forcing him into a number nine role.
And this is the part most people miss... Versatility, while an asset, can also be a hindrance when it comes to nailing down a position. Amorim started the season with Cunha as the centre forward, but with Sesko's arrival, Cunha was pulled deeper. It's likely that Cunha will find himself on the bench again for United's next game against Liverpool.
As Cunha returns to United after his international duties, the doom and gloom of the club's current situation looms large. If two months felt like an eternity, imagine the season's end, which, for United, is likely to be underwhelming.
So, is Ruben Amorim's formation the root cause of United's struggles, or is it a deeper issue within the club? What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
