Former Manchester United striker, Michael Owen, has expressed concern over the attitude and on-field behaviour of the club’s new signing, Matheus Cunha. Owen warned that while the Brazilian forward is a talented player, his temperament may cause problems for the team.
Cunha, who joined United earlier this summer from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, made his league debut for the Red Devils in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford last weekend.
Although United fans were eager to see what the 26-year-old forward could bring to the team, Owen believes that Cunha’s past behaviour raises red flags that should not be ignored.
“My only question mark is his attitude,” Owen said in an interview with AskGamblers, as reported by Metro UK. “He gets sent off a lot, he waves his arms a lot, and you’ve already got someone like that alongside him in Bruno Fernandes.”
Matheus Cunha is known for his pace, creativity, and ability to play across the front line. He had moments of brilliance while at Wolves, scoring crucial goals and troubling defenders with his movement and flair.
However, Owen pointed out that Cunha also has a history of disciplinary issues, including arguments with referees and confrontations with opposing players.
“You can’t go around grabbing people’s glasses off them after a game, getting sent off, arguing with referees, and causing fights on numerous occasions like he did at Wolves,” Owen added.
According to Owen, Cunha’s time at Wolves was marked by frequent emotional outbursts, which led to several on-pitch confrontations. He stressed that such conduct could be problematic at a club like Manchester United, which is under constant media scrutiny and fan pressure.
Despite his concerns, Owen admitted that the move to Manchester United could provide Cunha with a chance to reset his behaviour and mature as a professional.
“Maybe being at Manchester United, being at a huge club like that, might put some manners on him,” Owen said. “I think it’s a brilliant signing. But that is my only question mark.”
Owen, who played for Manchester United between 2009 and 2012, understands the high standards expected at the club, both on and off the pitch. He believes that discipline and composure are just as important as talent for any player hoping to succeed at Old Trafford.
Cunha’s arrival is part of a broader effort by manager Erik ten Hag to rebuild Manchester United’s attacking line. The club has struggled to find consistency in front of goal, and Ten Hag hopes that Cunha’s energy and skill can help solve those problems.
United fans have welcomed the signing, but many also share Owen’s concerns. With star midfielder Bruno Fernandes already known for his emotional style of play, there are fears that the team could lose focus in crucial moments if too many players are prone to on-field drama.
Football pundit Emma Ogbonna said: “Cunha is a great player, but United must manage him well. You can’t have two or three hot-headed players in key positions. Discipline wins games too.”
During his time at Wolves, Cunha showed flashes of brilliance but also received criticism for his on-pitch behaviour. He was involved in several controversial incidents, including a heated exchange with match officials and an unusual post-match incident where he reportedly snatched an item from a fan.
He also picked up multiple yellow cards and was sent off on at least one occasion. While these incidents were seen by some as signs of passion, others interpreted them as a lack of control.
As the Premier League season unfolds, all eyes will be on Cunha to see how he adapts to life at Manchester United. Supporters are hoping that under Ten Hag’s guidance, the Brazilian can focus on his football and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Cunha himself has said in recent interviews that he is excited to be at one of the biggest clubs in the world and wants to prove himself.
Whether he can keep his emotions in check and become a key figure for United remains to be seen.
