Manchester United new boy Matheus Cunha has addressed concerns about his controversial reputation ahead of today's clash with Fulham.
The Brazilian forward, who arrived at Old Trafford for £62.5 million this summer, has firmly rejected suggestions that his aggressive playing style reflects poorly on his character.
The 26-year-old acknowledges his tendency to play with intensity but maintains this approach stems from genuine passion for the sport rather than any character flaws.
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Matheus Cunha signed from Wolves this summer in a deal worth £62.5million
|REUTERS
His disciplinary issues during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers raised eyebrows amongst some supporters when the transfer was announced.
Speaking candidly about his temperament, the former Wolves player insists his on-pitch behaviour is driven by an unwavering desire to succeed and help his team achieve victory.
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During his stint at Molineux last season, the forward served two separate suspensions totalling five matches.
The first ban lasted two games after officials determined he behaved improperly during an incident with an Ipswich Town staff member following a December fixture.
A more serious suspension followed in March when he received a three-match ban for striking Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez multiple times during an FA Cup encounter.
These disciplinary issues prompted questions about whether his volatile nature might prove problematic at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian's track record of confrontations and subsequent punishments became a talking point when United completed his signing, with some supporters expressing reservations about bringing a player with such recent disciplinary problems to the club.
When questioned about his reputation for having a temper, Cunha responded bluntly: "Honestly, I don't really care about it. I think every single thing I did in the game is out of love for the game."
The Brazilian admitted he enjoys playing "on the edge" and views the pressure at United as a privilege rather than a burden. "I'm very passionate to win games, to make my team and myself better to achieve things," he explained.
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Matheus Cunha has joined United to boost their attacking options
|REUTERS
Whilst acknowledging past mistakes, for which he apologised, Cunha insisted his actions always come from good intentions. "I never put myself in positions to make people question my character, because inside I know who I am," he stated.
The forward's debut against Arsenal showcased precisely why United invested heavily in his services. He registered four shots and four dribbles whilst emerging as arguably the standout performer despite the team's 1-0 defeat.
Manager Ruben Amorim played a crucial role in securing Cunha's signature, with the Brazilian revealing extensive discussions about his tactical deployment. "It's something that Ruben, when he brought me here, chatted a lot about," Cunha disclosed.
The Portuguese coach promised to utilise him in his preferred number 10 position, operating between midfield and attack.
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| REUTERS"This is the position they brought me here for, it is somewhere I feel comfortable, and I hope I can bring some creativity to the team," Cunha confirmed.
The Brazilian's football journey began at Coritiba FC's academy before relocating to Switzerland at 18 to join Sion.
His career subsequently took him through RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid before arriving at Wolves in 2023.
European football helped develop his tactical understanding and physical attributes, whilst he mastered five languages including English, Spanish and French. He praised former Wolves manager Gary O'Neil for helping him adapt to various positions.
Regarding his new manager, Cunha revealed: "He's someone who can push the players forward, and I think this is the best quality in a manager."