Cunha still adapting to life at Manchester United
Matheus Cunha has revealed that Manchester United's turbulent start to its 2025-2026 campaign has made it feel like he has been at the club for much longer.
Cunha made the move to Old Trafford from Wolves over the summer for a reported transfer fee of £62.5m after a stellar campaign in the Premier League last season.
In 2024-2025, Cunha made 33 top-flight outings, finishing the league campaign with a team-high 15 goals. He also registered six assists, the second-most in the Wolves ranks.
The Brazilian international created 57 chances last term, more than any of his team-mates, and had 110 shots (44 on target), more than any of the United players managed during the 2024-25 campaign.
However, he is yet to get his career off the ground under Ruben Amorim.
Among forwards in the Premier League in 2025-2026, Cunha has attempted the most shots (15) without scoring in the competition, while he has also failed to register an assist.
"Being here now in the national team, and at United, is, without a doubt, a different level, a different moment for me as a player," Cunha said.
"I try as much as possible to adapt, to learn.
"It's only been two months [since joining Manchester United], but it feels like I've been here for a long time because of the club's current situation.
"I have to get results as quickly as possible because I'm a [big] signing. All of this helps a lot to find the adaptation faster and feel as good as possible in the national team."
Cunha did, however, reveal that he was used to playing as a midfielder before encountering the 4-3-3 formation when starting out his professional career.
"I came to the national team with this stereotype of a number 9 shirt," Cunha said. "I play my entire base as a midfielder, and when I became a professional, I encountered the world of 4-3-3. You have to adapt: either play centre-forward, winger, or 'eight'.
"They eliminated the midfielder position, and you have to adapt.
"But I see it positively, as it has given me experience, many more positions, and even more so in short-term tournaments with the national team.
"Having a versatile player is a huge help for any coach."
Cunha played an impressive role in Brazil's 5-0 win over South Korea earlier this week, registering an assist for Vinicius Junior's 77th-minute strike as well as creating the joint-most chances (three, level with Vinicius) at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
United returns to Premier League action on Monday when it takes on arch-rival Liverpool at Anfield.
