The calm of Manchester United’s pre-season has reportedly been shaken by claims of a fiery bust-up between new signing Matheus Cunha and manager Ruben Amorim. According to rumours, the Brazilian forward clashed with his coach during the club’s summer preparations over where exactly he should be deployed in Amorim’s tactical setup — a disagreement that supposedly exposed tension in what was meant to be a smooth start to a new era at Old Trafford.
Cunha, who has long thrived when allowed to roam in attacking positions, is believed to have voiced strong concerns that Amorim’s rigid demands would stifle his creativity. At Wolves, he was most effective when cutting in from the left, carrying the ball into dangerous spaces, and driving at defenders. This freedom, which highlighted his best qualities, was a key reason why United pushed to bring him in. Yet Amorim, renowned for his structured approach, is said to prefer greater defensive responsibility and pressing from his forwards — something Cunha reportedly sees as limiting his natural instincts.
The story goes that tempers flared on the training ground, with Cunha pleading for more freedom while Amorim stood firm on his principles. Voices were raised, frustration boiled over, and the confrontation left a heavy atmosphere hanging around the camp. Those close to Amorim stress that this is nothing new: his methods, while demanding, have delivered proven success, including a historic title win at Sporting Lisbon. Still, for a player like Cunha, whose game is built on instinct and flair, adapting to such a structured style could prove a major challenge.
For Manchester United, the situation paints a delicate picture. The club invested heavily in Cunha with the belief that he would thrive under Amorim’s system, yet early signs suggest a clash of styles that could become a headache if not resolved. The weeks ahead may determine how much flexibility Amorim is willing to show. Will he adjust his system to suit one of his most expensive recruits, or will Cunha be forced to bend to a philosophy that demands absolute discipline?
Whatever the case, the spotlight is firmly on Old Trafford. This supposed tug-of-war between flair and structure threatens to overshadow what was meant to be a promising new chapter. If not carefully managed, it could define not only Cunha’s future at the club but also the trajectory of Manchester United’s season.
