Matheus Cunha has become an increasingly important figure in Manchester United’s attacking setup, and recent performances have strengthened the argument that he should remain central to the team’s plans.
The Brazilian forward scored Manchester United’s late equaliser in their 1–1 draw against Fulham on September 20, rescuing a point for Carrick’s side after a disappointing performance. The goal demonstrated his ability to create something from difficult situations, even when the team is struggling to produce consistent attacking opportunities.
Cunha’s contribution was particularly significant because United had fallen behind following a Lisandro Martínez own goal, leaving the team in danger of suffering another frustrating defeat.
His late strike prevented that outcome and offered a reminder of the attacking quality he can provide.
For Carrick, the challenge is finding a system that allows Cunha to operate in his most effective position while also accommodating other talented forwards.
Recent discussions have focused on whether Cunha should continue playing centrally or return to a role where he can influence matches from deeper attacking positions.
### Why Matheus Cunha Has Become So Important to United
Cunha offers qualities that make him difficult to overlook.
The Brazilian is capable of carrying the ball forward, combining with teammates, creating opportunities, and attempting shots from outside the penalty area.
He is not simply dependent on receiving chances inside the box. Cunha can participate in the build-up, move into dangerous spaces, and contribute to attacks that require individual creativity.
These qualities are particularly valuable for a Manchester United team that has faced criticism over its attacking rhythm.
When opponents defend deeply, players capable of unlocking defensive structures become essential.
Cunha’s versatility gives Carrick several tactical options, although using him effectively requires a clear understanding of his best role.
The question is not necessarily whether Cunha should play every minute of every match. Rather, it is whether United can build an attacking system that maximises his strengths.
### Carrick’s Selection Decisions Have Already Attracted Attention
Michael Carrick has faced questions about his attacking selections during the opening weeks of the season.
Before Manchester United’s September 14 derby against Manchester City, Carrick explained that Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško offered different attacking threats, with selection depending partly on the opposition and the balance of the team.
That explanation highlighted the tactical decisions involved in selecting United’s forwards.
However, the team’s subsequent difficulties have led to further discussion about whether the manager should settle on a more consistent attacking formula.
TalkSPORT reported on September 21 that Marcus Rashford’s return had complicated United’s attacking arrangements, with Cunha being used centrally to accommodate the England international on the left wing.
The discussion has raised questions about whether United should prioritise the combination that previously produced strong attacking performances or continue adjusting the lineup to accommodate different players.
### The Cunha, Šeško, and Mbeumo Combination
One attacking combination that has attracted attention is the partnership involving Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo.
TalkSPORT analysts have argued that restoring this trio could help Manchester United rediscover the attacking effectiveness they demonstrated during the previous campaign.
The appeal of this combination lies in the different qualities each player offers.
Cunha can operate between the lines and create opportunities.
Šeško provides a central attacking presence, movement, and a target for crosses and through balls.
Mbeumo offers pace, directness, and the ability to threaten defenders from wide positions.
Together, they could provide a balanced attacking structure, although the effectiveness of any combination depends on form, fitness, tactical instructions, and the quality of service from midfield.
For Carrick, selecting the right balance remains one of the most important challenges of the season.
### What a Permanent Starting Role Could Mean for Cunha
If Carrick were to decide that Cunha should remain a regular starter, the Brazilian could benefit from greater tactical stability.
Players often perform with greater confidence when they understand their responsibilities and know how they fit into the manager’s plans.
For Cunha, consistency could allow him to develop stronger partnerships with his attacking teammates.
He would have more opportunities to build an understanding with Šeško, Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and the midfielders responsible for supplying the front line.
A settled role could also help him improve his movement and positioning within the team’s attacking structure.
However, a guaranteed starting position would not eliminate the need for competition.
Manchester United possess several attacking options, and maintaining high performance levels requires players to continue earning their opportunities.
### Cunha’s Recent Goal Could Strengthen His Position
The late equaliser against Fulham was an important moment for Cunha personally and for Manchester United collectively.
According to The Guardian, his 89th-minute strike rescued a point for United after a difficult match in which Fulham covered significantly more distance than the visitors.
Although the result did not resolve the team’s wider problems, Cunha’s goal demonstrated his ability to influence a match even when United were not at their best.
For an attacking player, moments like these can reinforce confidence.
They also remind supporters why certain players are viewed as essential to a team’s ambitions.
Cunha’s ability to produce decisive moments could become increasingly valuable as Manchester United attempt to improve their league position and compete across multiple competitions.
### Carrick Must Find the Right Balance Between Loyalty and Competition
One of the most difficult responsibilities for any manager is deciding when to maintain a winning combination and when to make changes.
A player may deserve to start because of recent performances, while another may offer tactical qualities that suit a particular opponent.
Carrick must balance these considerations carefully.
If Cunha is performing well, removing him from the starting lineup could disrupt his rhythm.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s demanding schedule means rotation may sometimes be necessary to manage fatigue and maintain performance levels.
Therefore, the idea that Cunha will never be benched again should be understood as a hypothetical expression of confidence rather than a practical guarantee.
Even the most important players require rest, and tactical decisions can change depending on injuries, opponents, and match circumstances.
### Manchester United’s Attacking Problems Require More Than One Player
Although Cunha has received considerable attention, United’s attacking difficulties cannot be attributed to one player alone.
The team’s struggles have also involved midfield control, movement off the ball, physical intensity, and the ability to create consistent scoring opportunities.
Reuters reported on September 21 that Manchester United ranked poorly in several high-intensity running metrics during the opening stages of the season, adding to concerns about the team’s overall performance.
Those problems require collective solutions.
Cunha can contribute through his creativity and work rate, but the midfield must provide effective service, the wide players must create space, and the defence must help the team sustain pressure.
A successful attacking system depends on cooperation across the entire team.
### What Supporters Would Expect from Carrick
Manchester United supporters are likely to continue demanding clarity regarding the club’s attacking strategy.
They want to see players deployed in roles that maximise their abilities, while also expecting the manager to make difficult decisions when performances fall below expectations.
Cunha’s role is therefore part of a wider discussion about Carrick’s tactical direction.
Should United return to a familiar attacking trio?
Should the manager continue experimenting with different combinations?
Should certain players be given extended opportunities to build confidence?
These questions will continue to generate debate as the season progresses.
For Carrick, the priority must be establishing an attacking structure capable of producing consistent performances rather than relying on individual moments of brilliance.
### The Pressure on Carrick Continues
Manchester United’s early-season difficulties have increased scrutiny surrounding Carrick.
The club returned to the Champions League after finishing third in the Premier League last season, raising expectations for the current campaign.
However, disappointing domestic results have created pressure for improvement.
The 1–1 draw against Fulham followed defeats against Manchester City and an early Carabao Cup exit against Brighton, leaving supporters frustrated.
In that environment, every team selection becomes subject to analysis.
If Cunha continues delivering important contributions, his position within the starting lineup could become an increasingly prominent topic.
If the team improves with a different attacking combination, Carrick may face pressure to adjust his plans.
Ultimately, results will influence how supporters evaluate the manager’s decisions.
### Could Cunha Become the Undisputed Leader of United’s Attack?
Matheus Cunha has the technical qualities and attacking versatility to become one of Manchester United’s most influential players.
However, establishing himself as the undisputed leader of the attack would require sustained performances over an extended period.
He would need to remain consistent, maintain his fitness, contribute goals and assists, and develop strong partnerships with his teammates.
The opportunity is certainly there.
United need attacking players capable of taking responsibility during difficult moments, and Cunha has already shown flashes of that ability.
His late goal against Fulham provided another example of his willingness to attempt something decisive when the team needed a response.
The next step is turning those moments into regular contributions.
### Final Thoughts
The reported claim that Michael Carrick has admitted Matheus Cunha will not be benched again would represent a major vote of confidence in the Brazilian forward.
It would suggest that the Manchester United manager sees Cunha as a central figure in his attacking plans and believes the team can benefit from giving him a consistent role.
However, there is no verified direct statement establishing that Carrick has guaranteed Cunha an untouchable starting position.
What is clear is that Cunha remains an important attacking option for Manchester United. His late equaliser against Fulham, combined with ongoing debate about the team’s forward line, ensures that his role will continue attracting attention.
For Carrick, the challenge is not simply deciding whether Cunha starts or sits on the bench.
It is finding the tactical structure that allows Cunha and Manchester United’s other attacking players to perform at their highest level.
And if the Brazilian continues producing decisive moments, the argument for keeping him heavily involved in the starting lineup will only become stronger.