In the 23rd round of the Premier League played in the early hours of today, Manchester United defeated Arsenal 3-2 away from home, with Matheus Cunha scoring a spectacular goal.
The Sun reported after the match that Cunha could face a two-match suspension similar to the one previously handed to Wayne Rooney for using offensive language during his celebration directed at the camera; if the FA imposes such a penalty, he would miss the upcoming weekend matches against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The Sun noted that Matheus Cunha might face charges from the Football Association following his match-winning goal in Manchester United's away victory over Arsenal.
After scoring a brilliant goal in the 87th minute, Cunha celebrated toward a pitchside camera, appearing to shout, “It’s the f*****g biggest!”
According to FA regulations, players who use “offensive, insulting, or abusive language” may be shown a red card and subjected to further disciplinary action.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was previously suspended for two matches by the FA for similar behavior.
In April 2011, after Manchester United took a 3-2 lead against West Ham, Rooney shouted into the camera, “What? F*****g what?” He was subsequently charged with using offensive, insulting, and/or abusive language and missed the Premier League’s 2-0 win over Fulham and the FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City. At the end of that season, following the Champions League final at Wembley, FA chairman Andy Burnstein attempted to shake hands with Sir Alex Ferguson, who refused due to the incident.
The 26-year-old Cunha came on as a substitute at the Emirates Stadium and made a decisive impact—this marked his second consecutive match delivering a game-changing performance, following his assist for Patrick Dorgu in the Manchester derby a week earlier.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was not asked about Cunha’s celebratory gesture but praised his professional attitude after the Brazilian came off the bench for the second consecutive week.
Carrick said, “In a way, this reflects our team’s mindset this week.”
“Matheus didn’t start either of the last two games, but he made a huge impact in both. He was genuinely disappointed about not starting.”
“But he channeled that feeling in a very positive way. He fully deserved that winning goal because of his consistent effort throughout the week. I’m genuinely happy for him.”
Carrick remains unbeaten in his two stints managing Manchester United and, four years later, once again defeated Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal 3-2, lifting the club to fourth place in the league table.
The 44-year-old’s contract with the club expires at the end of this season, but he has not given a clear indication about the possibility of staying on as permanent manager.
He added, “I’m really enjoying the role right now. It’s a fantastic position to be in.”
“I’m not going to answer questions every week about what happens next. I’m enjoying the present and will keep doing my best.”
“We won’t get carried away. There are very important matches ahead, and we need to keep improving.”
“You can take a lot of emotion, energy, and confidence from this win, but you must stay humble and understand how we’re using those resources.”
“That will be very important for the future.”
The Sun concluded by stating it had contacted the FA for comment regarding a potential investigation.
If Cunha receives the same two-match suspension as Manchester United legend Rooney, he will miss the upcoming weekend fixtures at Old Trafford against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.