Matheus Nunes admits to negative reaction to right-back transition at Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes has admitted that he initially did not want to be a right-back when he was first played in the position.

The 27-year-old caught the eye of Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain – the club’s former sporting director – as a midfielder at Wolverhampton Wanderers and never played right-back for his preceding sides.  

But in January 2025, Guardiola positioned Nunes in the role which ended in disaster as City fell to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in a game where the Portugal international gave away a late penalty as part of the visitors’ turnaround at the Etihad Stadium. 

However, his familiarity at right-back has forced progression, not least because Kyle Walker’s departure to Burnley during the last summer market granted Nunes a starting place on the right side of defence which has only heightened his talent and impact. 

Now, in an interview with Manchester City’s official club website, Nunes said, “A difficult transition, especially because it wasn’t like I’ve done both positions, it was just suddenly changing.

“I had to go through a difficult period getting used to everything, because I feel everything is different. Feeling confident in the position, also wanting to be in that position – which in the beginning, I’m going to be honest, I didn’t want to be.

“But it’s a responsibility you have to take, and in the best way, knowing someone is putting trust in you for a good reason. It’s never for a bad reason! If you take it badly, you don’t perform well.

“After a while, I started to take it in a good way. Now I’m more than used to it, I feel it’s my position. I can play different positions; winger, midfielder, right-back. I can play anywhere – this just makes you more complete.”

His club-record sale from Wolves to Manchester City worth £53 million was initially seen as a signing that would bolster the Citizens’ midfield alongside other additions of Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku.

But when he moved to right-back, it did not come as much surprise that it worked after seeing the progression of Rico Lewis shift from native defender to a holding midfielder and more advanced central roles – where he showed most improvement throughout the 2024/25 season. 

Nunes, who has started 22 times in the Premier League this season – only missing the Manchester United clash nearly four weeks ago through illness – has made a positive impact at City so far and is likely to be a first-choice right-back for years to come. 

Recently reaching his 100th appearance for the club against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League, Matheus Nunes has also contributed to winning a Premier League title while at the Etihad Stadium club.