Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeper, Mats Sels, had nothing but admiration after his side’s clash with Manchester United. Speaking candidly in a post-match interview, he admitted that one particular player completely stunned him — Matheus Cunha. Despite facing top-tier attackers like Saka, Salah, Palmer, and Haaland this season, Sels confessed that Cunha’s mix of intelligence, speed, and creativity was something he hadn’t encountered before. His words carried the weight of genuine respect, especially from a keeper known for his composure under pressure.
Cunha’s display against Nottingham Forest was a spectacle in itself. From kickoff, he commanded attention — his dribbling slick, his movements sharp, his intent unmistakable. Together with Amad Diallo and Casemiro, he tore through Forest’s defense with flair and purpose. His mesmerizing solo run in the 56th minute almost resulted in a goal, forcing Sels into a spectacular save that drew applause from even the home fans. Later, his precise through-ball set up the crucial equalizer, reminding everyone why Manchester United fought so hard to bring him to Old Trafford.
When asked after the match, Sels couldn’t hide his admiration. “He’s different — you feel it when he’s on the ball,” he said, emphasizing Cunha’s unpredictable nature and his rare blend of strength, speed, and technical brilliance. Even Forest’s defenders, during halftime, couldn’t help but acknowledge his dominance. “This guy is unbelievable,” they reportedly said, realizing that a single lapse in concentration could mean disaster when Cunha was involved.
Under manager Ruben Amorim, Cunha has been gradually winning hearts at Manchester United. While much of the spotlight has gone to Amad Diallo and Benjamin Šeško, Cunha’s quiet consistency has been vital in key matches. Amorim himself praised the Brazilian, calling him a warrior and commending his continuous growth. For fans, it was yet another sign that United’s project under Amorim is beginning to bear fruit.
Social media lit up after the match, with fans calling Cunha “criminally underrated” and “a nightmare for defenders.” Even rival supporters admitted he was beginning to look like one of the most complete forwards in the league. Pundits like Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand echoed the sentiment, noting his seamless adaptation to the Premier League’s pace and physicality, as well as his blossoming chemistry with teammates. Ferdinand’s words said it all — “When opponents talk about you like that, you know you’re special.”
In a beautiful gesture that summed up the night, Sels approached Cunha after the final whistle to exchange shirts — a quiet moment of mutual respect that quickly went viral. For United, it symbolized more than just a good performance; it marked a turning point. With key fixtures ahead and momentum building, Cunha’s rise could be the spark that reignites United’s title hopes. As one fan put it best, “If players like Mats Sels are praising him, then maybe — just maybe — United’s fire is back.”
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