Michael Carrick is considering a more flexible attacking role for Matheus Cunha after the Brazilian impressed in Manchester United’s dramatic Champions League victory over Roma. According to Manchester Evening News on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the forward’s display in the 3-2 win could influence how the head coach deploys him in upcoming matches.

United overturned a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Cunha playing a major part in the comeback. He won the penalty Bruno Fernandes converted to start the recovery, scored the equaliser and remained influential as United completed an important victory.

The result eased some pressure on Carrick after United endured nine consecutive matches without a win. However, another positive result against Aston Villa on Sunday would be important as the manager attempts to strengthen his position before the November international break.

Cunha is expected to feature prominently against Villa. The game will also mark his 50th appearance for United since joining from Wolves in a £62.5 million transfer. His performance against Roma has raised expectations, but Carrick wants him to reproduce that standard consistently.

“He has to repeat that performance. He was fantastic and that's close to his best, and that's the level we want to see, not just him, from the team,” Carrick said.

Cunha’s position has been debated since his arrival at Old Trafford. He was originally recruited to play in one of the two attacking midfield positions in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, operating behind the main striker.

Carrick’s return to a back-four system has altered United’s attacking structure and created questions about where the Brazilian fits best. He has featured on the left wing and centrally, including as a false nine, but has not consistently settled in one position.

His contribution against Roma may have given Carrick a clearer idea of how to use him. Instead of restricting the forward to a fixed role, the manager could allow him to move between wide and central areas, creating opportunities to influence attacks from different positions.

Carrick considers Cunha’s versatility one of his biggest strengths. The coach believes he can make an impact across the front line and that greater freedom could help him deliver more performances like the one against Roma.

“I think the beauty of Matheus is he can play different positions across the front line,” Carrick explained.

The manager noted that Cunha had performed well on the left last season and had also been used through the middle. Against Roma, he started from the left but frequently moved into central spaces, giving United another attacking option.

“I think just that bit of freedom and fluidity suits him a lot, but he can do both. For sure, he can do both,” Carrick added.

The comments suggest Cunha could be allowed to interchange between the left flank and central attacking areas instead of being tied to one position. That approach would give him room to use his movement and attacking instincts while making United less predictable.