Matheus Cunha's statements suggest that the current positive run at Manchester United is rooted in Ruben Amorim's earlier work. This comes as the team has seen a shift in form under Michael Carrick, leading to a debate about where credit for the revival truly lies.
Context
Matheus Cunha, a player for Manchester United, has recently spoken about the impact of former coach Ruben Amorim on the team. Amorim's tenure at the club was met with mixed reactions. Following his departure, Michael Carrick took over, and the team has since achieved a series of wins. Cunha's remarks suggest a continuity of influence, implying that Amorim's groundwork is contributing to the team's present success. This perspective comes at a time when the team's improved performance under Carrick has drawn significant attention.

Evidence
Matheus Cunha has offered his perspective on Ruben Amorim's role at Manchester United.

Defending Amorim's Influence: Speaking to DAZN Portugal, Cunha strongly defended Amorim's impact. He stated that Amorim's presence at Old Trafford, despite dividing opinion, has fueled the team's current success.
Continuity in Eras: Cunha implied that there is a connection between Amorim's time and the current period under Michael Carrick.
Recruitment and Success: Cunha indicated that the player acquisitions made during Amorim's leadership are now paying off and contributing to the team's victories.
Carrick's Tactical Shifts: One article mentions a specific decision by Michael Carrick involving Matheus Cunha. In a match against City, Carrick's decision to bench Cunha, who had been struggling, was seen by some as a sign that Amorim's approach was flawed. However, Cunha's own statements appear to counter this view by emphasizing Amorim's foundational role.
Player Development: A pre-season report noted that Ruben Amorim challenged Matheus Cunha to improve his fluency with teammates, particularly Bruno Fernandes, during his debut. This indicates an early focus on integration and development by Amorim.
Managerial Stress: Cunha described Amorim as someone who is "always very stressed until we start to win," suggesting a demanding but ultimately invested approach to management.
Amorim's Impact on Player Morale
Cunha described Ruben Amorim's demeanor during the team's winning streak. He noted that Amorim is "always very stressed until we start to win, and then he improves every day." Cunha also added, "When it’s more complete, it’s not a statement, but I feel more complete also as a manager." This suggests that Amorim's presence and coaching style had a profound effect on the team's mentality and the players' own sense of completeness.
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Tactical Decisions and Player Roles
There is a divergence in how tactical decisions are viewed.
Carrick's Influence: One analysis highlights Michael Carrick's decision to field a back-four in a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United as a turning point. This adjustment seemed to cater to the team's needs and helped them secure a win. The article suggests this specific tactical change, involving Cunha, proved Amorim was destined to fail.
Amorim's Coaching Style: In contrast, Cunha's statements suggest that Amorim's focus was on driving the team forward and ensuring player development. Cunha's comment, "He is someone that pushes us forward," points to Amorim's motivational approach.
Connection to Key Players
Michael Carrick has spoken about the rapport Ruben Amorim established with certain players.
Trio's Contribution: Carrick identified a crucial trio of players who have combined well for Manchester United. He believes their excellent synergy is the reason behind the team's winning run. This suggests that Amorim successfully fostered connections within the squad, which are now benefiting the team under new management.
Player Development: Early in Cunha's time at the club, Amorim pointed out areas for improvement, specifically the link-up play between Cunha and Bruno Fernandes. This indicates Amorim's attention to detail in building team cohesion.
Conclusion
Matheus Cunha's recent comments offer a perspective that credits Ruben Amorim's earlier efforts for Manchester United's current success. While Michael Carrick has overseen a period of positive results, Cunha implies that Amorim laid the groundwork, influencing recruitment and player development. The evidence suggests that Amorim aimed to instill a demanding but ultimately effective coaching philosophy, pushing players and fostering key connections within the squad. These relationships and strategic foundations appear to be benefiting the team even after his departure, as highlighted by Cunha's defense of his former coach's impact. The narrative suggests a degree of continuity in the team's progress, challenging a simplistic view that attributes all recent success solely to the new management.
Sources
FootballPlace: https://footballplace.co.uk/matheus-cunha-ruben-amorim-man-united-revival-credit/
ReadManUtd: https://readmanutd.com/2026/02/19/manchester-united-cunha-where-amorim-went-wrong-football-soccer/
UnitedInFocus: https://www.unitedinfocus.com/opinion/matheus-cunha-decision-by-michael-carrick-vs-city-proved-ruben-amorim-was-bound-to-fail-at-man-utd/
Metro: https://metro.co.uk/2025/10/26/matheus-cunha-lifts-lid-ruben-amorims-mood-man-utds-winning-run-24528701/
UTDDistrict: https://utddistrict.com/michael-carrick-reveals-connection-ruben-amorim-has-found-with-crucial-manchester-united-trio/27/10/2025/
SI.com: https://www.si.com/soccer/2025/07/20/ruben-amorim-matheus-cunha-improve-man-utd-debut