Matheus Cunha could face further punishment after appearing to break the rules following his two goals in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The Brazilian’s brace, after Bruno Fernandes scored a second-half penalty, sealed a comeback from a 2-0 deficit at half-time.
United had trailed 2-0 at the interval following a disastrous first 45 minutes. Fernandes pulled one back from the penalty spot after the break, and Cunha then bagged a double in the closing stages. He received a yellow card for his celebration after the winning goal.
Sent off and on the touchline
Cunha soon picked up a second booking, which led to his red card. He then watched the final minutes of the game while sitting on an advertising board.
After the final whistle, Cunha tried to return to the pitch to celebrate with his teammates, but he was greeted by manager Michael Carrick. The two had a brief exchange, and the 27-year-old forward was escorted off the pitch by a member of staff as he appeared to throw his hands up in frustration.
It is believed that Carrick told Cunha to go back to the dressing room to avoid a further punishment for his red card. However, Cunha may still face sanctions for his post-match actions.
Possible further punishment
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 a spectator area. A player who re-enters the field after being sent off, including to celebrate a victory, has breached the laws of the game and could receive additional punishment.
It remains unknown whether Cunha will be punished, and if so, how severely. The laws state that it could lead to an extended ban for the United forward, as well as fines for both the player and the club. The referee’s official match report will make clear whether Cunha faces further action. Cunha will already miss United’s next European match against Sporting CP later this month because of his red card.
Cunha reflects on the win
Speaking after the match, Cunha said: “What a magic day. Of course, apart from the red card. But yeah, 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.”
He added: “Today was a blessed day for me. I always talk inside if I need to be this guy to have the responsibility in the hard moments, I’ll be there.”
When asked whether the result could be a turning point, Cunha replied: “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.”
Cunha also spoke to CBS Sports about his second goal and the celebration that followed. “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.”
Looking ahead
Cunha is free to play in the Premier League at the weekend, after helping United end a nine-game winless run. The club now prepares to face Aston Villa in the final match before the international break. Carrick is under pressure to steer United away from the relegation places and back up the table.