Matheus Cunha scored twice and was sent off, and he could face further punishment after appearing to break the rules following Manchester United’s 3-2 Champions League win over Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian forward’s brace sealed the victory. Bruno Fernandes converted a second-half penalty to give United their first goal of the night, after the Reds had trailed 2-0 at the interval following a disastrous first 45 minutes on home soil.
Cunha’s double and dismissal
Cunha then scored twice in the closing stages of the second half. He received a yellow card for his celebration after the winning goal. Moments later, he picked up a second booking and was sent off. He then watched the final minutes from an advertising board.
After the final whistle, Cunha tried to return to the pitch to celebrate with his teammates. Michael Carrick met him on the touchline. The United manager and the forward had a brief exchange, and a member of staff then escorted Cunha off the pitch as he threw his hands up in apparent frustration. It is believed Carrick told Cunha to go back to the dressing room to avoid another punishment.
Possible further punishment
Cunha could still face sanctions for his full-time actions. Under IFAB Law 12, which covers fouls and misconduct, players who are sent off must leave the pitch and go either to the dressing room or to a spectator area. A player who re-enters the field after a dismissal, including to celebrate a win, breaches the laws of the game and can receive additional punishment.
The laws state that such a breach could lead to an extended ban for Cunha and fines for both the player and the club. It remains unclear whether he will receive any additional punishment. The referee’s official match report will clarify the situation. Cunha already faces a suspension for United’s next European match, against Sporting CP later this month, because of his red card.
Reaction from Cunha
Cunha described the evening as a special one. “What a magic day. Of course, apart from the red card,” he said. “Everything that you can bring for this club and then always dream to be part of something unbelievable. And come here and then have this comeback in this very hard moment of the season.”
“Today was a blessed day for me,” he added. “I always talk inside if I need to be this guy to have the responsibility in the hard moments, I’ll be there.”
Asked whether the result could mark a turning point, Cunha said: “If not now, when? I’m happy, and so are my teammates. We’re working hard and we have a lot of criticism to overcome. The mentality was beautiful in the second half. Let it be a turning point in the season.”
Speaking to CBS Sports, Cunha also explained the emotions of his second goal celebration, which he called “tricky.” “I always dreamed to have this celebration, to be honest,” he said. “And then when I go I saw the fans and it was a little bit tricky because it was in the part of the Roma fans. And then I don’t know if it’s Roma fans or our fans, then I felt like if I jumped there it will be tricky. But I’m happy because they celebrated me, it was a very beautiful moment.”
What’s next for United
Cunha is available for United’s next Premier League fixture at the weekend, after helping the club end a nine-game winless run. United now prepare to face Aston Villa in their final match before the international break. Carrick needs results to steer the club away from the relegation places and back up the table.