CUNHA FACES HIS FEARS: THE ARSENAL “DEMON” HE DOESN’T WANT TO SEE
Tension is sky-high ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash between Arsenal and Manchester United — and the headlines have already been stolen by Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward, freshly donned in United red, has spoken candidly about the Arsenal “demon” he dreads facing, sending shockwaves through fans of both clubs.
Reflecting on his time at Wolves, Cunha revealed that one Gunners star haunted him like no other. Despite going up against elite defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Rúben Dias, and Lisandro Martínez, Cunha insists he’s never encountered anyone as relentless, intelligent, and physically dominant as this particular Arsenal figure.
“I don’t want to face him today. During my time at Wolves, he was always my biggest problem. Every duel, every run, every time I tried to get on the ball — he was there. If we are not careful, we will lose. I’ve played against Van Dijk, Dias, Martínez… but I’ve never seen anyone like him.”
The football world quickly speculated that Cunha’s admission points to William Saliba, Arsenal’s colossal centre-back and lynchpin of Mikel Arteta’s defence. Calm under pressure, physically imposing, and tactically astute, Saliba has consistently shut down top Premier League attackers — and Cunha’s testimony only adds to the aura surrounding him.
But Cunha isn’t shying away. Wearing United colors, he’s determined to rewrite the story.
“Me putting on this red shirt, I want to be the problem to Arsenal. He might have stopped me before, but now I want to be the one who causes the damage.”
Social media erupted in response. Arsenal supporters are celebrating the recognition of Saliba’s dominance, while United fans are holding their breath — Cunha’s fear seems genuine, and his warning that United “could lose” has heightened the stakes ahead of the showdown.
Pundits are framing this as more than a tactical battle. It’s a psychological duel: one man who has haunted Cunha’s past versus another determined to turn the tables. With Arsenal’s backline led by Saliba, and Cunha fired up to prove himself, Sunday promises to be a clash of wills as much as skill.
For Arsenal, Cunha’s words reaffirm the monster in their defence. For United, they serve as both a warning and a promise: the same demon that once stopped him could now bring out the very best in him.
This isn’t just a game. It’s fear, respect, rivalry, and redemption, all set to explode on the Premier League stage
