In Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League league phase, Manchester United staged a 3-2 comeback win at home against AS Roma. Matheus Cunha scored a brace, but after receiving a yellow card for taking off his shirt to celebrate the winner, he was sent off with a second yellow card following a foul. Interviewed after the match, he reflected on this rollercoaster of a game.
Cunha stated: “Wow, what a magical day. Of course, except for that red card. I want to give everything I can for this club, and I've always dreamed of being part of something incredible. In such a difficult moment of the season, to be able to complete a comeback like this here...”
Speaking about jumping into the fans to celebrate after scoring, Cunha said: “I think that's very Brazilian, right? Honestly, I've always dreamed of having a celebration like that.”
“When I ran over and saw those fans, the situation was a bit tricky. For a moment, I didn't know whether the people in front of me were Roma fans or our fans. I was thinking right then, if I jump over, gosh, that could be a bit troublesome! But I'm so glad they celebrated with me; that was a truly wonderful moment.”
Regarding the significance of this victory, Cunha said: “I feel that in the second half, that was the real Manchester United. That passion, every challenge, showing everything you are capable of on the pitch. We need to produce more performances like this, and hopefully this can become a wonderful turning point for us this season.”
In this match, trailing 0-2, Cunha first won a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted on a retake to pull one back.
Cunha then scored two consecutive goals in the 83rd and 86th minutes, before being shown a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. In the 1st minute of stoppage time, he committed a sliding tackle foul on Leonardo Balerdi, receiving a second yellow card and being sent off, with Manchester United ultimately holding on to secure the victory.