We called our pitches Old Trafford: Matheus Cunha’s childhood fantasy becomes reality
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It is a dream come true for Matheus Cunha to move to Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Manchester United’s stadium will not feel entirely unfamiliar to Matheus Cunha when the Brazilian makes his home debut for his new team next season.
It is almost like he has been playing at Old Trafford for years.
A day after United completed the signing of Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the dynamic forward said he grew up in the Brazilian beach city of Joao Pessoa dreaming of one day playing for the club.
“It is hard to find a way to explain this club to me,” the 26-year-old told United’s in-house media. “My house didn’t have the channel to watch the Premier League. My cousin’s house didn’t have the channel.
“Only in my grandma’s house, we can watch the Premier League, so we organised to go every weekend. And for me, it was always a bit inside of me, this club. When I play with (my cousin) in the street, on the beach, on the gravel pitch, we called these pitches ‘Old Trafford’. Imagine.
“So, wow, it’s so hard to be here now, thinking about the past – it’s very emotional for me.”
Cunha scored 15 Premier League goals for Wolves last season.
He also helped Brazil qualify for the 2026 World Cup earlier this week, setting up the only goal for Vinicius Jr in a decisive 1-0 win at home to Paraguay.
His move to Manchester raised some eyebrows, after United finished a woeful 15th in the Premier League (ahead of Wolves on goal difference) under new co-owners Ineos and failed to qualify for European football next season.
But he said the club and its former stars had left a lasting impression.
“It’s hard to talk about because I remember the whole squad from when I first started watching,” he said.
“Up front, there was (Wayne) Rooney – wow. He’s someone I see a lot of myself in, because I always give everything on the pitch. I remember he wore the No. 10 shirt. Everyone admired his skill, but he brought so much more. He wasn’t afraid to slide in and win the ball back. That kind of energy and passion really inspired me.”
“(Cristiano) Ronaldo, everyone knows, it is easy to talk about him. Ryan Giggs. Everyone. I can imagine the team, it started with (Edwin) van der Sar in the goal, Rio Ferdinand, (Nemanja) Vidic, the defenders, Paul Scholes, wow, (Michael) Carrick. The team for me, honestly, was a big impact for my teenage years.”
Looking ahead, Cunha says he is determined to help the Red Devils bounce back from their worst league season in 51 years.
“For me, no one else is like United,” he added.
“Of course, I know it’s been a hard season for everyone. I think my decision shows what this club is for me and what I believe this club can be.
“And of course, I’ll do everything I can to manage my emotions and give everything to help my dream team win.” REUTERS, AFP
