The gloves are off! Cunha has publicly blasted Ruben Amorim, revealing a behind-the-scenes disagreement over player positioning. Cunha pleaded with the manager not to make the move, but his advice was ignored, leading to a heated confrontation.
The peaceful atmosphere of Manchester United’s pre-season has been upended by a major revelation, as star attacker Matheus Cunha has openly disclosed a fiery dispute with coach Ruben Amorim. The incident, which took place away from the public eye during the team’s summer tour, revolves around a core disagreement regarding positioning on the field, bringing to light a sensitive issue during the early stages of Amorim’s leadership at Old Trafford.
The root of the dispute lies in a strategic choice made by Amorim that Cunha feels reduces his impact and, more broadly, weakens the team’s offensive play. Cunha, the Brazilian forward who made a much-anticipated switch from Wolves to United this summer, is known for excelling in a particular spot. While at Wolves, he frequently played as a left-sided forward in a 3-4-2-1 setup, which gave him the freedom to roam, advance the ball into threatening areas, and influence play. These traits were exactly why he attracted Amorim’s interest, as the coach’s tactical system—both at Sporting CP and now at United—is based on a similar three-man defense.
Yet, insiders indicate that even though the overall formation remains consistent, Cunha’s specific duties have changed. Amorim, renowned for his detailed and disciplined coaching style, has apparently tried to curb some of Cunha’s “free-spirited” tendencies in favor of a more structured, system-first style. The Portuguese coach has reportedly stressed a stronger emphasis on defensive responsibility and coordinated pressing from his forwards—a requirement that Cunha believes hinders his creative flair and instinctual play.
This disagreement reached its peak during a particularly intense training session. Frustrated by the new instructions, Cunha challenged Amorim, urging him to reverse the tactical shift. “He pleaded with the manager not to make the move,” a source shared, showing how strongly the player feels. Still, Amorim, whose commitment to his philosophy is nearly unshakeable, paid no heed to the request. The argument intensified, with loud voices and rising tensions, creating a clear sense of conflict.
Amorim has reportedly faced similar resistance in the past. Though he’s widely regarded as a top young managerial talent, his playing style demands strict adherence. At Sporting, several players initially had trouble adjusting to his precise and demanding 3-4-3 setup, which requires exact knowledge of roles and coordinated movement. Nevertheless, his achievements in Portugal—including leading the club to a long-awaited league title—demonstrate the strength of his methods when followed.
Cunha’s decision to bring this disagreement into the open is a bold one. As a player who’s already become a fan favorite, this move increases the pressure on Amorim and signals Cunha’s refusal to change his natural game. This situation places Manchester United in a difficult position. The club made a major investment in Cunha, anticipating that his abilities would align well with Amorim’s tactics. But the current discord hints at a possible incompatibility between the player’s natural style and the manager’s expectations.
The next few weeks will be vital. Amorim must choose how to handle this standoff. Will he compromise to accommodate a player he clearly rates, or will he stick to his principles, reinforcing that it’s his system or nothing? Football fans are closely watching Old Trafford, as this personality and tactical clash could overshadow what was intended to be a smooth entry into a new chapter. With tensions high, the result of this internal battle could shape Manchester United’s season ahead.
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