Mats Sels: “I’ve Never Faced a Player Like Him”
In a heartfelt post-match interview, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mats Sels admitted that one Manchester United star completely took him by surprise during their recent Premier League encounter.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sels reflected:
“This season I’ve faced some incredible attackers — Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, even Erling Haaland — but honestly, I’ve never come up against anyone with his combination of qualities. He really caught me off guard.”
Known for his composure and sharp reactions, Sels revealed that he wasn’t prepared for the intelligence, speed, and creativity displayed by Matheus Cunha, the Manchester United forward who ran the show that night.
So impressed was Sels that, after the final whistle, he approached Cunha to exchange shirts — a gesture that spoke volumes about his admiration.
Cunha’s Brilliant Display Against Nottingham Forest
It was a performance that reminded everyone exactly why Manchester United fought so hard to sign Matheus Cunha.
From the very start, the Brazilian was electric — twisting past defenders, surging forward with intent, and linking superbly with Amad Diallo and Casemiro. Every touch oozed confidence and left Nottingham Forest’s defense scrambling.
In the 56th minute, he went on a dazzling solo run that almost resulted in a goal, forcing a brilliant full-stretch save from Sels — an effort that even drew applause from the home crowd. Later, his perfectly timed through-ball led to United’s vital equalizer, earning widespread praise from pundits and fans alike.
Sels: “He’s Different — You Feel It When He’s on the Ball”
After the match, Sels continued to heap praise on Cunha, saying:
“When he’s on the ball, you just know something’s about to happen. He’s unpredictable — strong, quick, and technically gifted. You rarely see all that in one player.”
Sels added that Forest’s defenders were all talking about Cunha’s impact at halftime:
“At the break, the defenders were saying, ‘This guy is unbelievable.’ You can’t switch off for even a second when he’s out there — he’s constantly moving.”
Cunha Winning Over Old Trafford
Since arriving at Manchester United, Cunha has been steadily earning the faith of both the fans and manager Ruben Amorim.
While much of the season’s spotlight has shone on Amad Diallo and Benjamin Šeško, Cunha’s quiet consistency has proven decisive in several crucial fixtures.
After the match, Amorim praised his forward’s effort:
“Matheus is a warrior. He’s improving every week, always giving everything for this badge. Performances like tonight make me proud as a coach.”
Fans React: “Cunha Is So Underrated!”
Manchester United supporters flooded social media with praise for the Brazilian’s performance:
- “Cunha doesn’t get the recognition he deserves — he’s been our unsung hero this season.”
- “No wonder Mats Sels said that — Cunha’s been unplayable lately!”
- “Finally, we have a forward who terrifies defenders for the full 90 minutes.”
Even rival fans admitted that Cunha is starting to look like one of the Premier League’s most complete attackers.
Pundits on Cunha: “He’s Finding His Feet”
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher commented:
“You can see Cunha adapting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. His chemistry with Amad and Casemiro is improving, and he’s starting to look right at home.”
United legend Rio Ferdinand added:
“When opponents like Sels talk about you with that kind of respect, it says everything. Cunha’s becoming that player who changes the game every time he touches the ball.”
A Moment of Respect
After the game, Sels was seen walking straight up to Cunha to shake hands and swap shirts — a classy moment that captured the spirit of sportsmanship.
The clip went viral online, with fans praising both players. One supporter summed it up perfectly:
“That’s what football’s all about — mutual respect, even after a tough match. Absolute class from both.”
What It Means for United
Cunha’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. With key fixtures looming and pressure mounting on Amorim to sustain United’s title challenge, performances like this bring fresh optimism.
His understanding with the rest of the attack continues to grow — and if he keeps up this form, Cunha could soon be one of the Premier League’s standout players.
Final Thoughts
When your opponents can’t help but praise you, you know you’ve delivered something special.
Mats Sels’ candid remarks have not only earned Cunha more recognition but also reignited belief among United fans that this team is on the right path under Ruben Amorim.
As one fan put it best:
“If players like Mats Sels are saying that about Cunha, we’ve finally found the spark we’ve been missing for years.”
