Portugal international Matheus Nunes was the subject of significant praise from the Manchester City faithful after his display in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The right-back made his first league start of the season against Manchester United, with Enzo Maresca having preferred Abdukodir Khusanov earlier in the campaign.
He contributed significantly to City's resilient showing at Old Trafford, justifying his inclusion in the XI by the former Chelsea boss.
Nunes was very effective in his position and adapted excellently after his side's early red card, shutting down Manchester United approaches from his flank.
He kept Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha quiet at different times, and he did not commit a single foul all game.
MATHEUS NUNES STARS AS 10-MAN MANCHESTER CITY BENEFIT FROM CONTROVERSIAL GOAL IN DERBY WIN
Matheus Nunes was a key player for Manchester City as they picked up a win in their derby clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old featured from the start for the visitors, who claimed a narrow 1-0 win at the end of the game despite receiving a red card in the 23rd minute.
City were reduced to ten players when Phil Foden was given his marching orders for appearing to kick out at Bruno Fernandes following a perceived kick in his back.
The sending off changed the complexion of the game, as Maresca admitted, because the Red Devils were forced to try to break down Manchester City's solid defensive structure.
The game's ultimate talking point came in the 60th minute, when Erling Haaland fired home and wheeled away in celebration, only to see the assistant referee standing with his flag raised for offside.
The VAR advised the referee to award the goal, as Haaland himself was not in an offside position when the ball left the foot of Antoine Semenyo.
Enzo Fernandez was miles offside when the ball came in, and he attempted to head home but failed to connect, attracting the attentions of Lisandro Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The ball fell invitingly to the Norwegian striker, who did not need a second invitation to score.
Nunes' press resistance and stamina were essential, as he helped his side to see out the final 30 minutes of the game with relative comfort.
He completed 92% of his passes and won all of his duels in the game, while also completing 100% of his dribbles.
| Matheus Nunes vs Manchester United | Statistic |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 35/38 (92%) |
| Successful dribbles | 2/2 (100%) |
| Line-breaking passes | 15 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| Clearances | 5 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 4/4 (100%) |
| Aerial duels won | 1/1 (100%) |
MANCHESTER CITY FANS REACT TO MATHEUS NUNES' PERFORMANCE
Matheus Nunes' display at Old Trafford earned him a great deal of recognition from the fans, who were pleased with his performance.
The fact that their side won lent further credence to the quality of his performance, allowing the appreciation from the fans to be well-received.
One fan named the Portuguese as the greatest right-back in history. "Matheus Nunes is simply the greatest RB of all time."
Another fan pointed to him as an underrated player, questioning ex-Portugal coach Roberto Martinez for failing to use him at the FIFA World Cup. "Matheus Nunes is so underrated mehn. He is insanely good. Roberto Martinez decided not to play him at the World Cup. I couldn't understand."
A fan simply hailed his performance as sensational. "Nunes been sensational today."
Another fan also referred to him as underrated after his superb showing. "Matheus Nunes is superb and so underrated."
A fan pointed out that he is a ridiculous player at right-back. "Nunes at RB is ridiculous Imao."
Matheus Nunes joined Manchester City after impressing as a midfielder for Wolves, but Pep Guardiola discovered that he was not able to manipulate the ball in tight spaces and unfit for a midfield role.
He converted the Portugal international to right-back, and he has played in most of City's games since in the position.
