Manchester United‘s Matheus Cunha said he thinks Tuesday’s Champions League comeback win over AS Roma will mark a turning point for his struggling side.
United were 2-0 down at halftime at Old Trafford but struck three goals after the restart, including two from Cunha, to triumph, 3-2.
“I think it’s a real dream to be here,” Cunha told TNT Sports after the game.
“We always dream of being here, of being part of something very big, and to have this comeback in a Champions League game like this, at a time when we weren’t doing well, I think it really shows the character of our team.”
Cunha went into the game feeling pressure after having not scored since Sept. 20.
“If I have to be part of a difficult moment, that’s ok, because I think there comes a time when you have to embrace responsibility, with privilege, and step up during a difficult time,” he said.
“Responsibility is a delight…it makes me happy to live up to it. I’m very happy to be a part of this, to be winning again after a while without winning here.
“It shows what Manchester United is like, it shows what kind of players are here, that even in a difficult moment they can decide the game.”
Cunha, who joined the Red Devils in January 2025 from Wolverhampton, said Tuesday’s game was a day he will remember fondly even though he was sent off late in the encounter.
He celebrated his second goal by jumping into the supporters and being yellow-carded by the referee.
Cunha then received a second yellow in stoppage time for a foul.
“I think it was my most beautiful day at this stadium,” the Brazilian forward said. “I think a game like this is a moment to change everything … the kind of atmosphere we always hope to create here. We’re ready for it.”
Tuesday’s victory halted a four-match losing streak as well as a nine-game run without a win for United and it also eased the pressure on coach Michael Carrick.
Asked if this was a pivotal moment in their season, Cunha said: “If not now, when? I hope it’s now. I’m very happy. I think my teammates are very happy.
“It’s good that we are working so hard and facing so much criticism to get through this moment together. I think everybody came back with such a mindset in the second half and we did what we had to do. I hope it will be a turning point this season.”
Cunha believes his team can work on “a new Manchester United,” that is not constantly reminded about past glories.
“I think things from the past have to be glorified too much,” he said. “Let these be remembered and used as motivation for what may come in the future. It’s a new Manchester United.
“I think it’s time for the current players to have the responsibility that other great players had and take the team forward. I think it’s much more about the present moment.”
Asked about Carrick, who won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Europa League, among other trophies as a player at United, Cunha said: “It’s great to have a coach like him, who reminds you how great the beautiful moments of Manchester United are but it’s been a while since we’ve experienced them.
“It’s beautiful to remember, it’s beautiful to understand and learn but with great humility, we will have a new Manchester United. I really hope we can be one percent of what that great Manchester United was so that we can bring back that joy to the fans.
“It was great to come this season and play in the Champions League but I think we live in a club like this to experience moments like this, of winning, of winning in the Champions League, of having a comeback like this.”
United are 17th in the Premier League and host Aston Villa on Sunday looking to clinch their second league win of the season.
