Matheus Cunha's late brace secured Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, but his post-match behaviour could now lead to additional sanctions beyond the red card he received during the game.
The Brazilian forward scored twice in the dying stages of the second half to complete a stunning turnaround after United had trailed 2-0 at half-time. Bruno Fernandes had started the comeback from the penalty spot after the break. However, Cunha was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for an overexuberant tackle, having earlier been booked for his celebration following the winning goal.
Frosty exchange with Carrick
After the final whistle, Cunha attempted to re-enter the pitch to join his teammates in celebration but was met by manager Michael Carrick. The pair exchanged brief words, after which a staff member ushered the 27-year-old off the pitch as he appeared to throw his arms up in frustration.
It is understood that Carrick had directed Cunha to return to the changing room to prevent further disciplinary action following his dismissal. However, Cunha may still face additional sanctions after seemingly flouting regulations with his behaviour at full-time, which included watching the final minutes of the match while sitting on an advertising hoarding after his sending off.
Regulations and potential penalties
According to IFAB Law 12, which governs fouls and misconduct, players who are dismissed must leave the field and head either to the changing room or a designated spectator zone. Should a player re-enter the playing area after dismissal, for example to join in victory celebrations, they would be considered to have violated the game's regulations and could face further disciplinary action.
While it is unclear what, if any, penalty Cunha might incur, the rules suggest it could result in a lengthened suspension for the United forward, alongside potential fines for both player and club. The situation will become clearer once the referee submits their official match report, which will determine if Cunha faces additional consequences following United's triumph.
Cunha's reaction and what's next
Cunha, who is already set to miss United's upcoming European fixture against Sporting CP later this month due to his dismissal, commented after the game: "What a magic day. Of course, apart from the red card."
He added: "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. 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 questioned whether this could be a turning point in their season, he continued: "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 reflected on the feelings that rushed through him as he marked his second goal, telling CBS Sports: "I always dreamed to have this celebration, to be honest. 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."
Cunha will be available for Premier League action at the weekend after playing his part in United's first victory in nine attempts. He and his teammates will now turn their attention to facing Aston Villa in their final fixture before the international break, as Carrick attempts to rescue his position and guide the club clear of the drop zone and back up the standings.
