5 managers who have fallen out with Matheus Cunha: ‘Totally offended’

 

5 managers who have fallen out with Matheus Cunha: ‘Totally offended’

Manchester United's new manager, Ruben Amorim, faces a challenge in ensuring his latest signing, Matheus Cunha, adapts to his tactical demands.

The talented Brazilian secured his transfer to Old Trafford following an outstanding season at Wolves, where he scored 15 goals and provided six assists in the Premier League. However, Cunha has a reputation for being difficult to manage.

Here are five former managers who have publicly criticized Cunha in the past.

See also: Chelsea turn down chance to sign Sancho, Returns to Man Utd with Future Uncertain

Diego Simeone

Matheus Cunha’s flair didn’t mesh with Diego Simeone’s rigid system during his 18-month stint at Atletico Madrid. After a goalless first half in the 2022-23 season, Simeone loaned him to Wolves. “Some make decisions because of their authority, and you have to make yours,” Cunha said, reflecting on the move. His father was less subtle, telling Globo, “No attacker can thrive in Simeone’s system. The owner and fans wanted him to stay, but the offer was too good to refuse.”

Vitor Pereira

Following a 3-1 loss to Chelsea in January, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira criticized Cunha’s body language, saying, “I want a captain who fights and suffers with the team.” Despite the tension, Cunha took the feedback to heart. Pereira’s leadership lifted Wolves to midtable safety, with Cunha shining in the season’s second half, suggesting no lasting rift.

Julian Nagelsmann

Ralf Rangnick, as RB Leipzig’s sporting director in 2018, praised Cunha’s speed and finishing, calling him a “highly interesting striker.” However, manager Julian Nagelsmann wasn’t convinced. Cunha failed to score in 13 substitute appearances, leading to his exit. “He didn’t find his place here or convert chances,” Nagelsmann said. Later, he acknowledged Cunha’s improvement at Hertha Berlin, noting, “I’d be more satisfied with him now.”

               

Pal Dardai

Hertha Berlin icon Pal Dardai compared Cunha to Ronaldinho, calling him a “genius.” But after a lackluster showing in a 3-1 loss to FC Koln in August 2021, Dardai was blunt: “In Germany, you can’t stop working off the ball. Just walking back as a striker? I don’t understand.” He added, “He’s a good kid, but I’ll talk to him. This isn’t youth football; it’s the Bundesliga.”

Bruno Labbadia

Bruno Labbadia, another Hertha Berlin manager, was livid after Cunha’s poor performance in a 4-1 defeat to Freiburg in December 2020. “It’s unacceptable. He let himself and his team down,” Labbadia raged. “I’m totally offended.” Weeks later, he was sacked, but not before airing his frustrations.