Why Michael Carrick Told Matheus Cunha to Leave Pitch

Michael Carrick and Matheus Cunha appeared to be involved in a disagreement shortly after Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 win over AS Roma in the Champions League.

United completed a stunning second-half comeback against their Italian opponents at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, with Cunha playing a starring role.

The Red Devils’ miserable start to the 2026-27 season threatened to continue after conceding two goals inside the opening 17 minutes.

However, a re-taken Bruno Fernandes penalty in the 58th minute turned the game on its head.

Cunha secured Man Utd’s third victory of the campaign with two late goals in the space of three minutes, sending the home crowd wild.

But the Brazilian’s decision to celebrate his second goal by removing his shirt and jumping into the crowd backfired. Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano booked Cunha for the celebration, before showing him a second yellow card four minutes later for a late tackle.

Red-carded players are requested to leave the pitch and head back to the dressing room, but Cunha was seen hovering around the tunnel.

When Manzano blew the full-time whistle, Cunha returned to the pitch to celebrate with his teammates.

Carrick and Cunha Disagreement Explained

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

TV cameras then spotted an eyebrow-raising incident between Carrick and Cunha, who was visibly unhappy after being instructed to leave the pitch alongside a member of staff, stopping before the tunnel to applaud the fans. Watch the footage below:

Per the Manchester Evening News, it’s understood that Carrick told Cunha to return to the dressing room in order to avoid being hit with another punishment following his dismissal.

However, the South American now faces further punishment after appearing to break the rules – specifically IFAB’s Law 12, covering fouls and misconduct, stating players who are sent off must leave the pitch and head to the dressing room or a spectator area.

An extended ban for Cunha is now a possibility if UEFA decide Cunha is guilty of breaching the laws of the game.

The Brazil international, 27, will already miss United’s next Champions League match against Sporting on November 25. He could also end up missing the clash against RB Leipzig on December 12 if he’s slapped with an additional one-match ban following Tuesday’s antics.

Moreover, Cunha’s actions have reportedly left both himself and United at risk of a fine.

Carrick and Cunha Speak Out After Win vs Roma

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

“I was a bit disappointed with how it finished [red card] but it just shows how much he cares and [what] he’s willing to do when he’s in that frame of mind,” Carrick said, per Fabrizio Romano.

Meanwhile, Cunha added: “What a magic day. Of course, apart from the red card.”

He continued: “The mentality was beautiful in the second half. Let it be a turning point in the season.”

United’s crucial win over Roma leaves them 17th in the Champions League table, with six points registered from a possible 12.