Manchester United supporters rose to their feet at the final whistle, and this time the ovation went far beyond appreciation for the scoreline. The applause was reserved for Matheus Cunha, the player Michael Carrick insists was the decisive force in United’s gritty win over Fulham.
The result may have been hard-earned, but Carrick made it clear after the match that, in his eyes, the contest was shaped by one man from the very start. In a post-match assessment that turned heads, the United boss offered a glowing and emotional tribute to the Brazilian forward, describing his display as nothing short of extraordinary.
Carrick did not hold back, hailing Cunha as the key to everything United achieved on the night. He urged fans to remember what they had witnessed, calling it a masterclass and suggesting the forward was all he needed to tilt the game in United’s favour. His comments also carried a note of frustration about Cunha’s past setbacks, hinting at how close football came to being robbed of a player capable of such dominance.
Those words reflected just how central Cunha has become to this United side. From the opening exchanges, he played with a fierce blend of intensity and intelligence, pressing relentlessly, throwing himself into challenges, and never switching off defensively. When United pushed forward, he still had the calm and quality to make things happen in dangerous areas.
Nothing about his performance felt casual. Every run was purposeful, every tackle committed, every touch deliberate. This was not simply about flair or moments of skill; it was about control, presence, and authority.
Inside Old Trafford, the mood shifted quickly. Each time Cunha surged forward or muscled his way through a duel, the crowd responded. Confidence grew with every action, and by full-time there was a shared sense that something special had unfolded.
Carrick’s description of Cunha as a “shutdown beast” captured the essence of the performance. He was not just an attacking threat; he suffocated Fulham’s rhythm, disrupted their build-up play, forced mistakes, and dragged defenders into uncomfortable positions, opening space for others to exploit.
In today’s game, players who can influence both ends of the pitch are invaluable, and Cunha’s showing underlined that perfectly. It also served as a reminder of what United nearly lost. There were moments in his career when this kind of night seemed unlikely, if not impossible.
Instead, fans saw a reborn footballer — confident, fearless, and relentless.
The reaction was instant. Across social media, United supporters were united in their praise, applauding his work rate, leadership, and football intelligence. Many called it one of his finest performances in a United shirt, a display that justified the faith placed in him.
This was more than just a solid outing. It was a statement.
Cunha didn’t merely contribute to a win; he offered a glimpse of what Manchester United can become when he operates at his peak. For the fans, it was pure enjoyment — a performance to savour, and one they are desperate to see repeated.
