Manchester United fans will remember this night for a long time. At the Emirates Stadium, against title-chasing Arsenal, United produced a dramatic 3-2 win that felt like a statement. And once again, the man at the heart of the story was Matheus Cunha.
Cunha did not start the match. For the second game in a row under new manager Michael Carrick, the Brazilian forward began on the bench. But when United needed a hero, he delivered in the biggest moment.
Coming on late in the game, Cunha showed calm, hunger, and quality. His winning goal silenced the Emirates and sent the away end into wild celebration. It was the kind of goal that changes seasons and shapes careers.
After the match, Cunha did not hide his feelings. Speaking to Sky Sports, he made it clear that while he respects the squad, he wants to be on the pitch. “I know the quality of the group, everyone wants to play. The important thing is to help the team and every single minute to give everything,” he said.
Those words say a lot about his mindset. Cunha is not creating drama, but he is sending a clear message. He wants to play. He wants responsibility. And he believes he can help Manchester United win big games.
The goal against Arsenal was only his fifth for the club since his big-money move from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Some critics have questioned whether he has fully settled. But moments like this show why United invested in him.
For Cunha himself, this goal meant more than just three points. When asked about the importance of the moment, he did not hesitate. “100 per cent [greatest moment in the shirt],” he said.
“These kind of games are the games we dreamed of playing,” Cunha continued. “When I come to United, these are the games we watched on television and we want to be part of that. This is one of the best moments for me here.”
That emotion was clear on his face after scoring. This was not just another goal. It was personal. It was proof that he belongs at this level and in this club.
The win also highlighted the impact of Michael Carrick since taking over from Ruben Amorim. Few expected United to come through matches against Manchester City and Arsenal with maximum points. Yet they did exactly that.
Harry Maguire was full of praise for the new manager after the final whistle. “Michael [Carrick] has come in, and he’s been brilliant with us,” the United defender said.
“He’s brought fresh energy, and the group has really galvanised,” Maguire added. “Obviously, two tough games [City and Arsenal], everyone probably thought we would come away from them with not many points, but we won both of them.”
Those words reflect a dressing room that believes again. Carrick’s calm style and clear ideas seem to be working, at least in these early weeks.
Maguire also spoke honestly about Cunha’s situation. With several players returning from AFCON, competition for places has increased. That has pushed some big names to the bench.
“Obviously, we have a much bigger squad now with the return of the players from AFCON,” Maguire explained. “Players like Matheus [Cunha] coming off the bench, who I’m sure is not too happy sitting on the bench in the last two games – I know what he’s like, he wants to play.”
Instead of sulking, Cunha has responded in the best way possible. “I must say he has made the difference in the two games,” Maguire said. “He came on against City and changed the game, and today he’s made the difference for us.”
That kind of impact is priceless for any manager. It also creates a selection headache for Carrick ahead of the next match.
United’s attacking depth is starting to look dangerous. Maguire pointed out that it “just shows the squad of players we have and the attacking talent we have that can come on and do that.”
As things stand, Manchester United now sit fourth in the Premier League. They have overtaken fierce rivals Liverpool, which adds extra satisfaction for fans.
Momentum is clearly building. Confidence is rising. Old Trafford is starting to believe again.
Next weekend, United welcome Fulham, with the chance to extend their perfect start under Carrick. All eyes will be on the team sheet.
Will Matheus Cunha finally get the start he wants? After what he has done against City and Arsenal, it is becoming harder and harder to leave him out.
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