Matheus Cunha has found himself at the center of a tactical debate at Manchester United after former Red Devils striker Andy Cole questioned whether the Brazilian is being used in his best position.
Cunha has started Manchester United’s first three Premier League matches of the season as the team’s central striker. However, Cole believes the 27-year-old should not be judged as a traditional No. 9 because his game is built around movement and freedom across the attacking line.
The comments come as Manchester United continue to manage Benjamin Sesko’s return from a shin injury. Sesko has so far been used as a substitute, leaving Cunha to lead the attack against Hull City, Ipswich Town and Everton.
While Cunha showed his quality with two assists in the 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town on August 30, his influence was less obvious in the 2-2 draw against Everton.
For Cole, however, the issue may have more to do with Cunha’s role than his ability.
Andy Cole Does Not See Cunha as a Traditional No. 9
Cole made his assessment while speaking to Sports Mole.
The former Manchester United forward explained that he is a big admirer of Cunha but does not believe the Brazilian is naturally suited to playing as a pure central striker.
“If I’m being honest, I wouldn’t put him as a No. 9. I wouldn’t judge him as a No. 9 either. For me, Cunha is a free player. He can move from the wide areas and also play behind the striker,” Cole said.
That assessment reflects Cunha’s versatility in attack.
Rather than staying centrally and operating primarily as a traditional goalscorer, Cunha can move into different areas of the final third. His ability to drift away from the center can create space and allow him to influence the game in different ways.
Cole therefore believes it would be unfair to evaluate Cunha solely on what he produces while playing as United’s central striker.
Cunha Has Already Shown His Quality for Man Utd
Despite concerns about his position, Cunha has already demonstrated that he can make a significant contribution for Manchester United.
His performance against Ipswich Town was particularly productive. United scored five goals in the match, with Cunha providing two assists in the 5-2 victory on August 30.
However, his next outing against Everton was considerably quieter.
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw, and Cunha was unable to make the same attacking impact he had produced against Ipswich.
For Cole, that inconsistency should not necessarily be interpreted as evidence that Cunha lacks quality.
Instead, the former United striker believes the Brazilian needs to rediscover the consistency he showed during the previous season.
“I really like him. He had a good season last season. Now, when he plays for Manchester United, it’s all about consistency. He just needs to carry last season’s form into this season,” Cole said.
Why Cunha May Be Better as a Free Attacker
One of Cole’s main points is that Cunha should have greater freedom to move around the attacking third.
The Brazilian is capable of playing in several positions, including areas away from the central striker role.
Cole believes that flexibility is one of Cunha’s strengths rather than something that should be restricted.
“I personally would never judge Cunha as a No. 9 because I don’t feel he’s comfortable in that position. I wouldn’t sit here and say he has to do this or that. He’s not a pure centre-forward,” Cole added.
That could become particularly relevant once Benjamin Sesko is fully fit.
With a recognized central striker available, Cunha could have more opportunities to operate from the left or in deeper attacking areas.
Cunha Still Needs Time to Find His Rhythm
Cunha joined Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2025.
During his first season with the club, the Brazil international scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 35 appearances.
Across his Manchester United career, Cunha has recorded 10 goals and six assists in 38 matches.
Those numbers show that he has already contributed in front of goal, but Cole believes the player is still working his way back toward his best level.
One reason is the timing of his return following the 2026 World Cup.
“He’s a player who can play in a number of positions in the front line. I like him. At the moment, he’s just a little bit late coming back from the World Cup, so he’s still finding his rhythm and finding his best position,” Cole said.
That could explain why Cunha’s performances have varied during the opening games.
Rather than expecting him to immediately reproduce his best form, Cole believes the Brazilian needs time to regain his rhythm and establish where he can have the biggest impact.
Benjamin Sesko Could Change Cunha’s Role
The eventual return of Benjamin Sesko could have a significant impact on Cunha’s role at Manchester United.
Sesko is currently being carefully managed as he continues his recovery from a shin injury. Once he is fully fit, Cunha is expected to see more action on the left side of the attack.
That would potentially allow him to operate in a role that better matches Cole’s assessment of his strengths.
However, there is another player competing for opportunities in that area.
Marcus Rashford is also expected to remain at Manchester United at least until January 2027, meaning Cunha could face competition for a place on the left.
The situation could therefore give United several attacking combinations to consider.
Cunha’s Best Position Could Be Key for Man Utd
The debate surrounding Matheus Cunha is not necessarily about whether he has the quality to succeed at Manchester United.
Instead, it is about how the club can get the best out of him.
Cole’s assessment highlights several characteristics that could shape Cunha’s role:
- He does not see Cunha as a traditional No. 9.
- Cunha can operate across multiple attacking positions.
- The Brazilian can move from wide areas and play behind a striker.
- Cunha has already produced goals and assists for Manchester United.
- Consistency remains an important target for the player.
- His return after the 2026 World Cup has affected his rhythm.
- Benjamin Sesko’s eventual return could allow Cunha to move into a different attacking role.
- Marcus Rashford remains part of the competition for a place on the left.
Ultimately, Cunha’s position could become one of the interesting tactical questions for Manchester United as the season develops.
For Cole, the answer is clear: judging Cunha as a pure No. 9 does not reflect the type of player he believes the Brazilian is.
With Sesko’s return still to come and competition from Rashford on the left, Manchester United have several decisions to make. For Cunha himself, the priority will be finding his rhythm, building consistency and showing where he can make the biggest difference for the team.
ALSO READ :
