Scholes: Man Utd star ‘definitely not’ being played in the right position, it’s ‘a struggle’ to watch

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Utd Report

·8 September 2026

Scholes: Man Utd star ‘definitely not’ being played in the right position, it’s ‘a struggle’ to watch

Paul Scholes has said it’s a ‘struggle’ to watch Matheus Cunha be shoehorned into a centre-forward role.

So far this season, the Brazilian has started all three Premier League games leading the line for Manchester United.

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How has Cunha fared for United?

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

He has yet to open his account in front of goal, but he has registered two assists, both of which came in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town on August 30.

Cunha oversaw an impressive maiden campaign in red, returning 10 goals and four assists in 33 top-flight appearances and 2,503 minutes of action.

Football is easy for Matheus Cunha 🇧🇷
– Saturday, 21 March 2026

Of those appearances, 29 were as a starter – 13 of which came under Michael Carrick, showing just how highly he’s regarded by the new manager.

Yet, Cunha has come under fire for his lacklustre showing in United’s 2-2 draw with Everton.

Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo provided the goals, while Cunha struggled to make an impact in the 70 minutes he was on the pitch.

Cunha’s heatmap vs the Toffees (Fotmob)

As per Fotmob, the 27-year-old recorded 22 accurate passes, three touches in the opposition’s box and was dispossessed twice. He also failed to register a shot on target, making it no surprise that Carrick opted to withdraw him 10 minutes earlier than he had done in the previous two games.

What Scholes had to say about Cunha

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Reacting to Sunday’s affairs on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes said: “It’s very difficult to watch a Man United team without a centre forward.

“Now, what Cunha is, I don’t really know what Cunha is. What is he? A number 10 or a wide player?

“But he’s definitely not a number nine. And watching the United team without a number nine, it’s a struggle.”