Matheus Cunha scored a sensational goal for Manchester United to put Michael Carrick’s men 3-2 up against Arsenal
18:25, 25 Jan 2026Updated 18:52, 25 Jan 2026
Matheus Cunha scored the winner for Manchester United against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha could face a possible ban for his reaction after putting his side 3-2 up against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Cunha came off the bench for United to put Michael Carrick’s ahead for the second time at the Emirates Stadium. After Mikel Merino made it 2-2, Cunha curled the ball into the bottom corner after a great piece of play from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
As he ran over to the travelling fans in the corner, Cunha grabbed the camera and shouted something down the lens. It’s not clear what the Brazilian says but it did include an explicit.
Sky Sports’ Peter Drury was forced to apologise for the X-rated outburst by Cunha. “If you heard some bad language in among the celebrations, for that we apologise,” he said.
According to The Football Association (FA) rules, “offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures” will result in a player being sent off. The rules also state that the FA has the power to take retroactive disciplinary action if the incident is caught on camera and broadcast to a wide audience.
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Swearing directly into a lens as a “clear and deliberate” act of misconduct that brings the game into disrepute.
Back in 2011, Wayne Rooney was hit with a two-match ban after he swore down the camera at West Ham United. The striker’s incident came during the 4-2 win at Upton Park and the Football Association handed him a hefty punishment.
As well as a two-game ban, Rooney was charged with “use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language” after completing his hat-trick in front of the away end.
Matheus Cunha scored the winner for Manchester United against Arsenal(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
In a statement released through his spokesman, Rooney said: “I am gutted to miss two matches, one of which is an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last.
“Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologised immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right.
“Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That is what I intend to do.”
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