Matheus Cunha faced criticism after Manchester United’s frustrating draw with Everton, as supporters questioned his role as a No.9 and called for Benjamin Sesko to start instead.

Man Utd fans turn on Cunha after disappointing Everton draw

Matheus Cunha has come under heavy criticism from Manchester United supporters following the club’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Everton.

The Brazilian struggled to make a major attacking impact before being substituted, while Benjamin Sesko came off the bench and scored late in the match.

That contrast sparked calls for Cunha to be dropped or moved away from the No.9 position.

Fans frustrated with Cunha’s performance

Cunha started through the middle but found it difficult to impose himself inside Everton’s penalty area.

Some supporters argued that he should have been substituted at half-time after another ineffective display as the central striker.

Social-media criticism intensified as United struggled to turn possession into clear chances.

‘Cunha is not a No.9’

One of the biggest debates centred on whether Cunha is suited to playing as United’s main striker.

Comments such as “Cunha ain’t no number 9” became part of the post-match discussion, with fans calling on Carrick to rethink his attacking setup.

Some suggested that Cunha would be more effective playing wider or behind a traditional centre-forward.

Missed chance increases frustration

Cunha had an opportunity to silence the criticism during the first half but sent his effort over the crossbar from a promising position.

The miss was highlighted by supporters who felt United needed more clinical finishing from their striker.

His limited presence inside the box further strengthened the argument that United may need a more natural No.9.

Sesko changes the conversation

The pressure on Cunha increased after Benjamin Sesko entered the match during the second half.

The Slovenian made an immediate impact by scoring late in the game to put United 2-1 ahead.

Although Everton eventually equalised, Sesko’s goal reignited the debate over who should start as United’s No.9.

Fans want Sesko to start

Some supporters questioned why Sesko had not started, pointing to his movement and presence inside the box.

That led to growing calls for him to lead the line in the next match, with Cunha potentially moving into another attacking role.

The comparison between the two players became one of the main talking points after the final whistle.

Cunha’s role may be part of the problem

Not all criticism was aimed directly at the player. Some observers suggested that Cunha’s struggles could partly be explained by his tactical role.

Playing as a false nine can bring him into the same areas as Bruno Fernandes, leaving United without a consistent reference point inside the penalty area.

The team’s attacking balance also remained an issue, with several players drifting into similar spaces instead of stretching Everton’s defence.

Not every fan blamed Cunha

Some supporters argued that Cunha was being unfairly singled out after a match in which United had broader problems.

United twice moved into winning positions but failed to protect their advantage, meaning the result cannot be blamed on Cunha alone.

Everton’s late equaliser exposed defensive and game-management issues that had little to do with the striker.

Penalty incident also divides opinion

Cunha was involved in a second-half penalty appeal following a challenge from James Tarkowski.

United wanted a spot-kick, but the referee allowed play to continue and VAR did not overturn the decision.

The incident divided supporters, with some believing Cunha had been fouled and others accepting the challenge as legal.

Carrick refuses to blame Cunha

Michael Carrick did not publicly criticise Cunha after the match, instead focusing on United’s failure to finish the game after taking the lead.

There is currently no indication that Carrick has decided to drop Cunha.

Any change would therefore be a tactical decision rather than a disciplinary one.

Pressure building ahead of next match

With Sesko scoring from the bench, Carrick now faces a major decision over his starting striker.

Cunha remains an important attacking player, but the reaction after Everton shows that patience among some supporters is beginning to wear thin.

The next team selection could reveal whether Carrick continues trusting him through the middle.

Cunha faces battle to prove his role

The criticism focused mainly on Cunha’s suitability as the central striker and whether Sesko now deserves the starting role.

With United dropping more points and Sesko making an immediate impact, Cunha faces growing pressure to prove that he can deliver in the position Carrick has given him.

For United, the bigger question is whether the problem lies with the player, his role, or the balance of the entire attacking system.