The roar of the Emirates Stadium faded into stunned silence as Matheus Cunha’s late goal secured a breathtaking 3-2 victory for Manchester United against Arsenal. But the euphoria surrounding the win is now tempered by a looming shadow – a potential investigation by the Football Association.
Cunha, the match-winner who ignited the traveling support, may face retrospective action stemming from his exuberant celebration. Immediately after his stunning curler found the bottom corner, he sprinted towards a pitch-side camera, his emotions overflowing.
What followed was a direct, impassioned outburst into the lens, capturing a moment of raw emotion that quickly prompted concern. While the audio wasn’t perfectly clear, an explicit phrase was undeniably audible, triggering immediate damage control from broadcasters.
Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury swiftly issued an on-air apology, acknowledging the inappropriate language heard during the celebrations. The incident, broadcast to a global audience, has drawn the attention of the FA.
The FA’s guidelines are unequivocal regarding “offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.” Swearing directly into a camera is considered a “clear and deliberate” act of misconduct, potentially bringing the game into disrepute.
Despite escaping punishment from the on-field officials, Cunha is far from in the clear. The FA possesses the authority to review the footage and impose retroactive disciplinary action, potentially including a suspension that could impact crucial upcoming fixtures.
This dramatic moment arrives as Cunha rediscovers the form that initially attracted Manchester United. After a period of inconsistency, his recent performances have showcased the sharpness and clinical finishing that defined his time at Wolves.
A stark contrast exists between Cunha’s initial struggles and his recent impact. In his first 14 games, he managed only one goal and no assists, averaging a meager 0.07 goals per game. However, his last nine appearances have yielded four goals and two assists, dramatically improving his output to 0.44 goals and 0.22 assists per game.
This resurgence is also a testament to the transformative effect of interim boss Michael Carrick. Since taking the reins, Carrick has unlocked the potential within a previously disjointed attack, fostering a newfound freedom and confidence among the players.
Back-to-back victories against Manchester City and Arsenal demonstrate Carrick’s impact, with players like Cunha and Dorgu flourishing under his guidance. The season, once appearing to drift aimlessly, now holds a renewed sense of possibility for the Red Devils.
