Goal, Grit… And A Possible Ban? United's Cunha Under FA Scrutiny After X-Rated Celebration

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 17:03 IST

Matheus Cunha’s decisive goal for Manchester United against Arsenal may lead to an FA ban after his explicit celebration.

Man United's Matheus Cunha (AP)

Matheus Cunha’s match-winning moment at the Emirates may yet come with a costly sting in the tail.

The Manchester United forward is facing a possible FA ban after his celebration following the decisive goal in United’s dramatic 3-2 Premier League win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Cunha came off the bench to swing the game for Michael Carrick’s side, restoring United’s lead just minutes after Mikel Merino had dragged Arsenal back to 2-2. After slick build-up play from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, the Brazilian curled a superb finish into the bottom corner to stun the Emirates.

Then came the controversy.

As Cunha sprinted towards the travelling United fans, he grabbed a pitchside camera and shouted directly into the lens, using explicit language.

The outburst was picked up on live television, prompting Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury to issue an on-air apology.

“If you heard some bad language among the celebrations, for that we apologise," Drury said.

Under Football Association regulations, players can be punished retrospectively for “offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures" if the incident is clearly caught on broadcast footage. Swearing directly into a camera is typically viewed as a deliberate act and could be deemed behaviour that brings the game into disrepute.

If the FA decide to act, Cunha could be suspended — a scenario that would deal a significant blow to a United side enjoying a surge under interim boss Carrick.

The 24-year-old has not started United’s last two matches, but his impact has been decisive. He provided an assist off the bench last week and followed it up with Sunday’s winner against Arsenal — continuing a run of game-changing cameos.

Carrick’s early spell has sparked visible improvement across the squad, with Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha all thriving in new roles. Momentum is building, belief is returning, and losing Cunha now would disrupt both.

United face a demanding run next, with fixtures against Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham looming. After wins over two title contenders, expectations have risen fast.

News sports football Goal, Grit… And A Possible Ban? United's Cunha Under FA Scrutiny After X-Rated Celebration

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