Manchester City supporters have erupted in praise for Matheus Nunes after his outstanding performance against Manchester United, with fans describing the versatile Portuguese midfielder as the best right-back in the world following his display in the Manchester derby.
Nunes produced a remarkably complete performance for Enzo Maresca’s side. He recorded 63 touches, completed 34 accurate passes at an impressive 92% success rate and covered 10.4 kilometres.
His contribution was not limited to possession. Nunes registered 14 line-breaking passes, eight recoveries, five clearances, four ground duels won and four passes into the final third. He also made three headed clearances, two blocks, two tackles, two interceptions, two accurate long balls and two successful dribbles.
The numbers explain why Man City supporters on x were so excited.
But the fan reaction went even further.
One supporter called him “best fullback itw”, while another declared him the “Best Right Back In The World.”
For a player whose Manchester City career has taken several different directions, this was another reminder of his remarkable versatility.
City fans hail Nunes as the best right-back in the world
The most striking part of the reaction was the number of supporters who focused on Nunes’ performance at right-back.
One fan wrote:
“best fullback itw”
Another said:
“Best RB in the league 💪🏽”
And another went even further:
“Best Right Back In The World. No Competition.”
That level of praise might sound exaggerated, but the performance gave supporters plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Nunes has developed a reputation for being capable of filling multiple positions. His athleticism allows him to cover large areas of the pitch, while his technical ability means he can contribute when City have possession.
Against United, those qualities were particularly valuable.
He combined defensive responsibility with progressive passing and attacking movement.
For City supporters, that combination has made Nunes an increasingly exciting option.
“The owner of the RB is back”
Another reaction perfectly captured the feeling among supporters.
“The owner of the RB is back man.”
The comment received strong engagement, showing how much Nunes’ performance resonated with City fans.
The right-back position has become an important tactical role in modern football. Full-backs are no longer expected simply to defend their flank.
They must build attacks.
They must progress the ball.
They must defend transitions.
They must support midfield.
And they often have to move into central positions during possession.
Nunes showed elements of all those responsibilities.
His 92% passing accuracy was particularly impressive. Completing 34 accurate passes from his attempts demonstrated that he was comfortable receiving and distributing the ball under pressure.
His 14 line-breaking passes were perhaps even more significant.
Those passes helped City bypass pressure and move the ball into more advanced areas.
Cafu comparisons arrive after outstanding display
The supporters did not stop at calling Nunes the best right-back in the world.
Several compared him to Brazilian legend Cafu.
One fan simply posted:
“Cafu😭💗💗💗”
Another wrote:
“Cafunes with a 10/10 performance🩵”
And another supporter described him as:
“Colossal Caafunes. My MOTM.”
The nickname “Cafunes” clearly captured the mood.
Cafu was famous for his incredible stamina, attacking ability and consistency at right-back. Comparing Nunes with such a legendary full-back is enormous praise.
However, it also reflects how supporters viewed his performance.
Nunes was everywhere.
He covered 10.4km.
He made eight recoveries.
He produced five clearances.
He won four ground duels.
He completed two successful dribbles.
He also contributed two tackles and two interceptions.
That is an impressive workload for any full-back.
Nunes showed his defensive quality
While his passing and attacking numbers attracted attention, Nunes’ defensive contribution should not be overlooked.
He made five clearances and three headed clearances.
He also produced two blocks, two tackles and two interceptions.
Those statistics demonstrate that Nunes was not simply playing as an attacking full-back.
He was actively helping City protect their defensive structure.
That balance is crucial.
A modern Manchester City full-back must be capable of defending large spaces because the team’s attacking approach can leave defenders exposed during transitions.
Nunes’ pace and physicality give him an advantage in those situations.
His 10.4km distance covered also highlights his willingness to work continuously.
That effort was clearly noticed by supporters.
One fan described him simply as a “beast.”
Another called him a “phenomenal performance.”
“Nunes is him”
Among the most enthusiastic reactions was:
“NUNES IS HIM ABEG.”
Another supporter simply wrote:
“BALLER”
And another said:
“What a player!”
These reactions show that the performance went beyond statistical appreciation.
Supporters genuinely enjoyed watching Nunes.
There is an energy to his game that can quickly win over a fanbase.
He runs.
He carries the ball.
He competes.
He tackles.
He passes forward.
And he is not afraid to take responsibility.
That makes him particularly valuable in difficult matches.
His 14 line-breaking passes stand out
Perhaps the most interesting statistic from Nunes’ performance was his 14 line-breaking passes.
That number illustrates how aggressively he attempted to progress possession.
City’s football under Maresca will require players who can move the ball through pressure.
Against Manchester United, Nunes repeatedly found ways to break through the opposition structure.
His 92% passing accuracy shows that this progression did not come at the expense of reliability.
He completed 34 accurate passes while also attempting to advance the ball.
That combination is precisely what modern coaches want from a full-back.
Instead of simply passing backwards or sideways, Nunes looked to move City forward.
His two accurate long balls also demonstrated that he could vary his distribution.
Supporters want Nunes to stay fit
One fan’s reaction was particularly telling:
“Please nunes stay fit ♥️”
That comment reflects a simple reality.
City supporters now recognise how useful Nunes can be when he is available and performing at this level.
His versatility means he can provide solutions in different positions.
If City need a defensive midfielder, he can contribute.
If they need a full-back, he can step in.
If they need someone capable of carrying the ball through midfield, he can help.
That versatility makes him a valuable squad player.
But performances like this could also change the conversation.
Rather than being viewed simply as a useful squad option, Nunes may now be pushing himself into the conversation for regular starts.
Nunes is giving Maresca another tactical weapon
For Maresca, Nunes’ development could be hugely important.
The new Manchester City manager is building his own team after succeeding Guardiola in June 2026.
One of the biggest challenges of that transition is finding players who can execute different tactical instructions.
Nunes appears to fit that requirement.
His ability to operate at right-back while contributing like a midfielder gives Maresca tactical flexibility.
The 14 line-breaking passes are particularly relevant because they suggest Nunes can influence the game from deeper positions.
His successful dribbles also allow him to escape pressure when passing options are limited.
That means opponents cannot simply close down his passing lanes.
They also have to respect his ability to carry the ball.
Fans believe they have discovered a new City weapon
The reaction from Manchester City supporters suggests Nunes’ performance has changed perceptions.
There was a time when discussions surrounding the Portuguese player often centred on where he would fit.
Now, supporters are asking a different question.
How important can he become?
The reactions tell the story.
“A baller.”
“KING.”
“What a player!”
“phenomenal performance.”
“Best fullback itw.”
And perhaps the most eye-catching of all:
“Best Right Back In The World. No Competition.”
That is a dramatic rise in praise.
Yet Nunes’ performance against United showed why supporters are excited.
He was defensively reliable, technically secure and physically relentless.
A 10/10 performance that City fans will remember
The phrase “Cafunes with a 10/10 performance” may ultimately become one of the defining reactions to Nunes’ derby display.
His statistics certainly support the praise.
Sixty-three touches.
Thirty-four accurate passes.
Ninety-two percent pass accuracy.
10.4km covered.
Four ground duels won.
Eight recoveries.
Fourteen line-breaking passes.
Five clearances.
Two tackles.
Two interceptions.
Two successful dribbles.
Those numbers paint the picture of a player who contributed across virtually every area of the pitch.
But statistics alone cannot capture the excitement surrounding his performance.
The reaction from City supporters was emotional.
They saw a player who looked confident.
They saw a player willing to take responsibility.
And they saw a full-back capable of influencing the match from both sides of the ball.
Nunes has given Maresca a major selection headache
The biggest consequence of this performance could be what happens next.
Maresca now has another player demanding consideration.
Nunes’ ability to perform at right-back gives City an option that combines defensive security with midfield quality.
His 92% passing accuracy and 14 line-breaking passes demonstrate that he can help City progress possession.
His eight recoveries, five clearances and two interceptions show that he can also contribute defensively.
That balance is difficult to ignore.
For Nunes, the challenge now is consistency.
One outstanding Manchester derby performance can generate enormous excitement, but repeating that level over an entire season is what will establish his status.
If he does that, however, the supporters’ current jokes about Cafu and the “best right-back in the world” could become increasingly serious conversations.
Manchester City fans have made their verdict
The reaction could hardly have been clearer.
Manchester City supporters loved what they saw from Matheus Nunes.
They praised his defending.
They admired his passing.
They celebrated his work rate.
They highlighted his versatility.
And they even compared him with Cafu.
For Maresca, it is another encouraging sign during the early stages of his Manchester City tenure.
Nunes has demonstrated that he can be much more than a utility player.
He can influence matches.
He can play through pressure.
He can defend.
He can progress possession.
And, most importantly, he can deliver on the biggest stage.
After this Manchester derby, one thing is certain: City fans are no longer simply asking whether Nunes can play at right-back.
They are starting to wonder whether they have found one of the most exciting right-backs in the league.
