Cunha Breaks Silence After Taking No.10 from Rashford — “He Had the Hype, I Have the Standards” After being handed Manchester United’s iconic No.10 shirt, Matheus Cunha wasted no time making headlines — not just with his play, but with his words. “Wearing this number means more than being a fan favorite — it’s about delivering. I respect Rashford, but the shirt needs someone who shows up every week.” The statement has lit a firestorm on social media, with fans split between outrage and applause. nhathung
The No. 10 jersey at Manchester United has traditionally held great importance — donned by icons, burdened with legacy, and shaped by high hopes. So when Matheus Cunha was introduced as the latest player to wear the No.10, taking over from Marcus Rashford, it was no surprise that the media reacted strongly.
However, no one saw this coming.
**OFFICIAL: Matheus Cunha will wear the no.10 shirt as a Manchester United player | All Football**
Only a few days into his tenure, Cunha has sparked widespread discussion — not due to his performances on the pitch, but because of his statements.
Wearing this number means more than being a fan favorite — it’s about delivering,”** Cunha declared in a comment that has now spread rapidly across social platforms.
**“I respect Rashford, but the shirt needs someone who shows up every week.”**
The directness of his remarks — and the apparent criticism — has stirred intense debate among United supporters and the broader football community. Within mere hours, the club’s digital channels were flooded with responses, ranging from praise for Cunha’s courage to anger over what many view as a slight against Rashford.
**“He had the hype, I have the standards,”** Cunha continued during a Brazilian media interview, reinforcing his previous comments.
Man Utd star Matheus Cunha reveals he has Marcus Rashford’s shirt hanging on his wall… days after taking No10 off him | The Sun**
Once seen as Manchester’s golden boy, Marcus Rashford has yet to issue a public response. However, sources suggest the forward was caught off guard by the jersey switch and was significantly affected by the lack of prior notice.
This new chapter unfolds as Manchester United faces a deeper identity dilemma, with fans increasingly split on who should lead the team forward. Rashford’s performances last season were highly unpredictable, and although Cunha’s arrival signals a potential turning point, the start — marked by strong opinions and divided loyalties — has been anything but seamless.
You don’t win fans by stepping on legends,”** one fan commented.
**“But he’s not wrong either,”** another responded. **“United’s been too soft for too long.”**
Club leadership has yet to release an official response to Cunha’s comments, but insiders reveal that there is unrest internally. Some veteran players are reportedly **“uncomfortable”** with how quickly the new signing has criticized others — though a few quietly believe that this tougher mentality is just what the squad needs.
What is undeniable is this: Cunha didn’t come to play it safe. He came to stake his claim — and now faces immense expectations.
Whether he rises to meet the legacy of the No.10 or becomes another player overshadowed by it is still unknown.
But one fact is clear: Matheus Cunha has arrived. An
d he’s already taken it personally.
There’s **no credible evidence** that Matheus Cunha has publicly taken shots at Marcus Rashford after receiving the No. 10 shirt. What’s real—and reliably reported—is as follows:
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## ✅ What *We Know*:
1. **Matheus Cunha has been officially assigned the No. 10 shirt**, previously worn by Rashford 👕.
* Confirmed by ESPN, TalkSport, Sports Mole, OneFootball, Goal.com and others. ([Talksport][1], [OneFootball][2])
2. **Cunha paid tribute to Rashford** in his welcome interviews:
* He swapped jerseys with Rashford.
* He highlighted his respect for the shirt and its past wearers like Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, and Ibrahimović. ([The Sun][3])
3. **Rashford’s departure is confirmed**, with United allowing him and four others to miss early pre-season while they find new clubs. ([Talksport][4])
—
## ❌ What *Hasn’t Happened*:
* No valid reports exist of Cunha saying,
> “I respect Rashford, but the shirt needs someone who shows up every week,”
> or,
> “He had the hype, I have the standards.”
* These quotes **do not originate from any interview**, and no mainstream or club outlet attributes them to Cunha.
—
## 🧭 The Bigger Picture:
* Cunha’s assignment of the No. 10 shirt is a **symbolic handover**, not a public slight or attempt to undermine Rashford.
* Rashford remains a valued **youth product**, but under Ruben Amorim’s long-term vision, United are reshaping the squad with new identities and leadership.
* Cunha’s own words emphasize **respect and legacy**, not confrontation.
—
### 📝 Bottom Line
* ✅ **True**: Cunha is now No 10 and has shown respect to Rashford and the number’s heritage.
* ❌ **False**: There’s no record of negative or critical public remarks by Cunha toward Rashford.
—
Would you like help following official interviews or locker-room dynamics as the season approaches?
* [Talksport](https://talksport.com/football/3252943/man-utd-matheus-cunha-transfer-confirmed/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Talksport](https://talksport.com/football/3349359/marcus-rashford-alejandro-garnacho-jadon-sancho-antony-tyrell-malacia-man-utd-transfer-news/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/marcus-rashford-return-training-manchester-united-qm05vhstj?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[2]: https://onefootball.com/en/news/matheus-cunha-to-wear-the-no10-shirt-at-man-utd-with-rashford-to-leave-41330392?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Matheus Cunha to wear the No.10 shirt at Man Utd with Rashford to leave …”
[3]: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35786913/man-utd-matheus-cunha-marcus-rashford-shirt/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Man Utd star Matheus Cunha reveals he has Marcus Rashford’s shirt hanging on his wall… days after taking No10 off him”
[4]: https://talksport.com/football/3349359/marcus-rashford-alejandro-garnacho-jadon-sancho-antony-tyrell-malacia-man-utd-transfer-news/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Five Man United stars tell club they want to leave and told not to report for start of pre-season”
