In December we saw two late Matheus Nunes errors turn the game as Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad. It was an errant Nunes backpass which turned that particular game. His eagerness to atone for his error saw him concede a late penalty and the rest is history. Yesterday, Nunes lined up at right-back once again in yesterday’s Manchester derby. But to his credit, he redeemed himself for what occurred on that fateful night in December. He was arguably Manchester City’s best player in the 196th Manchester derby and he deserves credit for that.
After Manchester United made a bright start to yesterday’s match as an Alejandro Garnacho run earned them a free kick in the game’s opening minute, it was clear that Ruben Amorim’s side was going to target Nunes at right-back. Based on what occurred in December that was a sound tactic from Manchester United. But to his credit, Nune was solid defensively across yesterday’s dire Manchester derby. He was also good in possession and there were no nervous moments on the ball from Nunes. He did his job for his team and he was one of Manchester City’s best players on the day. There were one or two moments, particularly late, where it did seem that Nunes could play himself into trouble. But he didn’t and kept his composure on the big stage. His performance yesterday was arguably one of his best for Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola believes Matheus Nunes can thrive as a right-back.
Speaking after his team drew nil-all with Manchester United yesterday Pep Guardiola praised the performance of Matheus Nunes. The City manager believes he can develop into a solid right-back, although Guardiola did tell the media why the Portuguese international doesn’t play in midfield. Speaking on the performance of Nunes Guardiola said: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality he has. The thing is not to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough with the composure.”
“He is learning a lot. The full-backs make a mistake when they cross for the far post and they are sleeping.”
“But he defended two or three crosses that Bruno Fernandes put into the far post for Dorgu.”
“He has the physicality to do it. He can play there, and he helped us a lot.”
Manchester City will look to sign a right-back in the summer. They definitely have to given the options currently at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. But Matheus Nunes showed yesterday that he can play well in the role. He put in one of better performances in a City shirt at Old Trafford yesterday. Perhaps, that could be his role in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season and beyond. If Manchester City do sign a right-back perhaps Nunes can be the other option in Guardiola’s squad for the position.
But if nothing else Matheus Nunes redeemed himself for his horror show in Manchester City’s derby defeat in December. He was one of City’s better players on the day and for he does deserve credit.
