Blockbuster MU unveils 'secret weapon' ahead of Everton clash

Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha is capturing fans' interest with a special pastime outside football: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Not just training for fun, the 26-year-old striker is coached directly by world and European champion Lucio Rodrigues, a renowned black belt martial artist.

It was revealed that Cunha began training last December. The sessions focus on technique, control, and utmost safety. The aim is not martial competition but to enhance balance, core strength, and agility during on-field challenges. This method also helps the Brazilian player better manage emotions, avoiding past moments of loss of control.

Lucio Rodrigues, nicknamed “Lizard,” standing 1.93m tall and a former professional MMA fighter, emphasizes injury prevention for his trainee. This is to ensure Cunha stays in optimal physical condition, avoiding issues with Manchester United’s coaching staff during a congested match schedule.

On his personal page, the martial arts coach called working with Cunha “a true privilege,” praising the Brazilian forward as a professional role model both on and off the training mat. Cunha also shared a video receiving his belt during a session, demonstrating serious commitment and long-term dedication to the sport.

Since joining Manchester United last summer, Cunha quickly became a key offensive player. His agile movement, intense pressing, and sharp finishing earned trust from coaches and fans alike. However, his career was once overshadowed by unfortunate disciplinary issues while at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Therefore, Cunha’s turn to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is seen as a positive step in his self-improvement journey. This martial art is known for its strict discipline, emphasizing control and calmness in every move. For a high-energy player like Cunha, this could be the key to channeling aggression into an advantage rather than a liability.