This football season has been one of challenges and ups and downs for Manchester City. The team, which is known for its strength and consistency in English and European football, has faced struggles from several key players. Some of these challenges have come from individual players who, despite showing great promise, have faltered at critical moments, affecting the overall performance of the team. One of the players whose journey has been both praised and criticized this season is Matheus Nunes. His efforts for the club cannot be denied, but his mistakes, when they occur, tend to stand out and have cost the team points in important matches. However, a deeper look into his role at Manchester City, especially after the departure of Kyle Walker in January 2025, reveals a story of growth, perseverance, and a player trying to adapt to an unfamiliar position.
At the start of the 2024/2025 season, Manchester City was once again aiming to compete for the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. The team had a deep roster, filled with experienced players and rising talents. However, one of the first major setbacks for the team was the departure of right-back Kyle Walker in January, who left the club to join AC Milan. Walker had been an essential part of Manchester City’s defense for many years, providing stability and leadership at the back while also offering a threat going forward. His departure left a gap that the club needed to fill, and it was clear that this position would need to be addressed in future transfer windows.
After Walker’s exit, the club found itself in a difficult situation. The right-back position had traditionally been one of the strongest for Manchester City, but with Walker gone, the team was left with two main options: young prospect Rico Lewis and the versatile Matheus Nunes. Both players were asked to fill the void left by Walker, and while they showed promise in some games, the results were inconsistent. The club’s defensive line was at times solid but, at other moments, vulnerable to attacks. This inconsistency was one of the key challenges facing Manchester City as they entered the second half of the season.
Matheus Nunes, who joined Manchester City from Sporting CP in the summer of 2023, had already shown his ability to play in several different roles in the team. A central midfielder by trade, Nunes had played as a winger and even as a full-back in some matches. However, it was clear that right-back was not his natural position. Nevertheless, Nunes accepted the responsibility of playing there, adapting his game to suit the needs of the team. His willingness to play in a position that he was not familiar with showed his commitment to the club and his desire to help Manchester City in a time of need.
Throughout the season, Nunes’ performances in the right-back role were a mix of the good and the bad. At times, he was effective in his defensive duties, using his pace and intelligence to deal with opposition wingers. He also provided an additional attacking option for the team, overlapping on the right wing and joining in offensive plays. However, his lack of experience in the position was evident in several games, where mistakes led to goals or dangerous situations for the opposing team.
One of the games that highlighted Nunes’ potential and his shortcomings came against Bournemouth in early 2025. The match, which was crucial for Manchester City’s push for the Premier League title, was a microcosm of Nunes’ season. In the early stages of the game, Nunes was involved in a brilliant attacking move that almost led to a goal. In the 9th minute, he delivered a superb cross into the box, which found the head of Erling Haaland. The ball seemed destined for the back of the net, but Haaland, who had been in excellent form, missed the opportunity. Nunes, despite not getting the assist, showed great composure and vision with his cross, offering hope that his attacking contributions would make a difference for the team.
However, just minutes later, Nunes made a mistake that would haunt him for the rest of the match. In the 20th minute, he played a dangerous cross-field pass in his own half, which was intercepted by a Bournemouth player and quickly turned into an attacking opportunity for the opposition. The move eventually led to Bournemouth scoring their first goal of the match. This error was a clear example of the mistakes that Nunes had been making throughout the season. Despite his positive contributions going forward, his defensive lapses and errors in judgment had become a recurring theme.
Nunes’ performance against Bournemouth reflected his season as a whole. When he played well, he contributed positively to the team, both in defense and attack. His cross to Haaland, despite the miss, showed his ability to provide assists and create chances for his teammates. But his mistakes, such as the one that led to Bournemouth’s goal, also stood out and were costly. These errors often overshadowed his good moments, leading to frustration among fans and critics alike.
Despite the mistakes, it is important to recognize the efforts that Nunes has put in for Manchester City. Playing out of position, especially at right-back, is not easy for any player, particularly for one who is used to playing in central midfield. Nunes has had to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League, where the competition is fierce and the pressure to perform is always high. His willingness to step up for the team, even when faced with challenges, is a testament to his character and his commitment to Manchester City.
One of the biggest issues with Nunes’ play this season has been his tendency to try too hard at times. This overzealous approach, while admirable in its desire to make an impact, has sometimes led to mistakes. Nunes has been guilty of taking risks in his passing and positioning, perhaps in an attempt to prove himself or make up for the lack of experience in the right-back role. This has resulted in moments of brilliance but also costly errors that have been hard to ignore.
However, it is clear that Nunes has the potential to improve and grow as a player. His versatility and willingness to play in different positions make him a valuable asset for Manchester City, even if he is not yet fully settled in any one role. If he can refine his decision-making and reduce the frequency of his mistakes, he has the tools to become an important player for the team in the future. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, a manager known for developing players and refining their skills, Nunes could become a more consistent performer, one who contributes positively to the team without the mistakes that currently hinder his progress.
It is also worth considering the broader context of Manchester City’s season. The team has faced several challenges this year, not just in terms of individual performances but also in their overall style of play. Injuries to key players, such as Erling Haaland, have further complicated matters, and the team has had to find ways to cope without some of their best performers. In this context, Nunes’ struggles at right-back should be viewed in light of the team’s overall difficulties, rather than as isolated issues. The absence of a consistent right-back since Walker’s departure has added to Manchester City’s defensive instability, and Nunes has had to shoulder much of the responsibility in this regard.
In the summer transfer window, it is likely that Manchester City will look to strengthen their defense, including the right-back position. Nunes may not be the long-term solution at right-back, but his adaptability and willingness to fill in for the team in a difficult situation will not be forgotten. His efforts this season, despite the mistakes, have shown that he is a player who can be relied upon in moments of need. Whether he continues to play in the right-back position or returns to his more natural role in midfield, Nunes has demonstrated that he has the potential to contribute to Manchester City’s success in the future.
In conclusion, Matheus Nunes’ time at Manchester City during the 2024/2025 season has been a mixture of highs and lows. While he has made several positive contributions to the team, including providing assists and being willing to play in multiple positions, his mistakes have been costly at times. However, it is important to recognize the challenges he has faced, including playing out of position and trying to fill the gap left by Kyle Walker. If Nunes can improve his decision-making and reduce his errors, he has the potential to become a valuable member of Manchester City’s squad. His work ethic and adaptability should be praised, and with continued development under Pep Guardiola, he could become a key player for the team in the future.
