- Manchester United star names his idol
- Mathues Cunha’s season so far
- How the Brazilian has adapted for United
Manchester United star Matheus Cunha has named Brazilian icons Ronaldinho and Neymar as his idols growing up. While Cunha has, of course, never shared the pitch with Ronaldinho, he and Neymar have featured together six times for Brazil.
Though they have never started a match alongside one another—Cunha has entered from the bench in all six appearances they have shared—the pair boast an impressive record when on the pitch at the same time, winning five of those matches and drawing the other.
The last time they both featured, however, came on Friday 13 October, when Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela. Cunha will be hoping to link up with his idol once again, as Brazil set their sights on securing a sixth World Cup this summer.
Cunha on ‘Magical’ Ronaldinho and Neymar
In an interview with former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Cunha was asked about his idols. As Hargreaves mentioned the names Neymar and Ronaldinho, Cunha broke into a knowing smile, the Englishman almost anticipating his answer before he could give it.
“100% Ronaldinho was my idol,” Cunha responded. “I try to explain this to other people. Ronaldinho was my idol when I started to watch football, everything like that.”
He added:
“But [I] started growing up and then [I] understand what football was like. Neymar time, you know. And yeah, it was like between these both was my number 10 magical guys.”
Hargreaves then asked Cunha whether he had ever been given the nickname Neymar as a child. This time, Cunha let out a slight laugh before responding.
“Yeah this is true,” Cunha said whilst chuckling. “Because I think in Brazil when he start[ed] to play like every single kid tried to cut their hair like him. Remember when he had it at the back [Cunha demonstrates pulling a hand over his head, imitating Neymar’s iconic 2012 haircut] they still have photos, and in my school guys called me Neymarzinho.
“But yeah, it was like such a short time in my life, I appreciated a lot when guys do that.”
Ronaldinho was a magician during his legendary playing career, which saw him win the Ballon d’Or. He starred for Barca and Brazil, producing iconic moments including a famous free-kick for Selecao against England at the 2002 World Cup.
Neymar’s career is one of ups and downs but on his day he’s one of world football’s most talented footballers. He starred alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as part of a Calatan front three that dominated European football.
Cunha’s Debut Season
Whilst he has not entirely blown critics away, there is no doubt that Cunha has delivered an impressive debut season for Manchester United. Arriving for a blockbuster £62 million fee from fellow Premier League side Wolves, some supporters initially questioned the calibre of the Brazilian, given he had been operating within a lower-half side.
Cunha, however, has swiftly silenced those criticisms, registering four goals and four assists across 32 appearances. His contributions have also carried genuine weight. His eight goal involvements have translated into 11 points for Manchester United, including three decisive match-winners.
All three of those match-winning moments have come this calendar year, with Cunha netting United’s third against Arsenal, the second against Aston Villa, and the only goal in a tightly-contested clash with Chelsea.
Without Cunha stepping up in those moments, United would likely find themselves languishing in seventh.With United set to face Brentford tomorrow, Monday 27 April, he will once again need to step up and provide a decisive spark as the club pushes to secure Champions League football.
