In the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Manchester United came from behind to beat Roma 3-2 at home. Matheus Cunha scored twice but was later sent off after receiving two yellow cards. After the match, Matheus Cunha spoke to TNT Sports Brazil about the comeback and the team's current situation.
Matheus, we have a "Brazilian Miracle" right here with us. Tonight's match was truly fantastic, and you really needed this result. But I particularly want you to talk about the situation here over the past few days, because I feel this victory reflects both the burden you've shed and the strength this team still possesses. As for this jersey, we don't need to say much.
Yes, being here feels like a dream. I'm still caught up in the excitement of the match. We have always dreamed of being here and being part of something great. To pull off a comeback like this in a Champions League match, when the team was not in good form, fully demonstrates the team's mental strength.
I often talk to him (Carrick) within the team, and I tell him that if we have to go through a difficult period, that's okay. I believe there always comes a time when you have to take responsibility. As I've always said, being able to bear this responsibility is an honor, and we must step up bravely in difficult times like these.
So I am very happy to be a part of this, and very happy to win again, because we hadn't won for a while. At a time like this, I think it shows what Manchester United is all about, and that the players here have the ability to decide games even in difficult moments.
Especially at a time like this, right? I feel you can sense this from the fans too. In this match, the fans gave tremendous support and created a wonderful atmosphere. You just mentioned that there has been a lot of communication within the team. We all saw that Carrick has a lot of affection for this club, and in some ways he is also part of the club's history. What is the situation now? Obviously, we know what the British media have reported. How do you deal with the possibility of a new job starting suddenly? Will it actually happen? And how do you think the players view Carrick's work?
I think this is a new Manchester United. The past must be fully celebrated and remembered, and it must serve as motivation for us to face the future. As I just said, now is the time for us players to take on the responsibility that other great players once bore, and to lead the team forward.
So I think what matters more is the present. Having a coach like him, who constantly reminds us how great Manchester United once was and how many wonderful moments it experienced, is a beautiful thing. But we haven't experienced those things for a while.
It's great to play in the Champions League this season, but being at a club like this, we are here to experience moments like today, to win in the Champions League, and to complete comebacks like today's. I think that's the point. It's beautiful to remember the past, and it's beautiful to understand and learn from it, but we must stay humble and build a new Manchester United.
I sincerely hope we can achieve even 1% of what that great Manchester United once did, so that we can once again bring the fans the joy they have always wanted from us.
You even forgot about the cold and took off your shirt; that moment was truly crazy.
Yes. I think it was truly my day, as I was just saying. I think it was the best day I've personally had at this stadium. The match against Arsenal was also a beautiful moment; we won there during a difficult period in the season, right? I think a game like today has the potential to change everything. It can be the match we need to bring that passion to the fans and create the atmosphere we have always wanted to create here.
We are ready for this. I think taking on this responsibility is a joy. There are so many other difficult responsibilities in the world, and I am happy to be able to live up to such a wonderful one.
One last question. Do you think the team's situation will change for the better starting with this match? How big an impact will this victory have? I don't know what it was like when all of you returned to the locker room, but what kind of atmosphere and strength do you feel now?
If not now, then when? Such a change has to happen at some point. I hope it's now, and I'm very happy. I think my teammates are very happy too.
We have been working very hard and have received a lot of criticism, and we hope to get through this period together. I think today was that moment. When we returned to the pitch in the second half, everyone showed a very good mentality, and we did what we were supposed to do. I think we are ready for this, and I hope this is the turning point of the season.