Stuart Pearce feels that as things stand, Matheus Nunes is not at the desired level to be a starter for Manchester City.
Nunes started for City on the right wing during his side’s 3-1 victory against Copenhagen during the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16
Unfortunately for the Portuguese international, he broke his finger during the contest, which meant he had to be hooked off for Micah Hamilton in the 74th minute.
Stuart Pearce says Matheus Nunes is not ready to be a starter at Manchester City
Before the £53 million (Independent) man’s horrific injury, he had a mixed bag of a game.
While Nunes showcased his stunning dribbling on some occasions against Copenhagen, he did get dispossessed quite a few times and his ball retention left a lot to be desired.
As a result, Stuart Pearce believes Matheus Nunes is not ready to be a starter for Manchester City yet.
“I thought he was okay but not somebody who you thought, well he is going to be a starter at the weekend. He is finding his way at the football club, if I’m quite honest with you, he’s not a starter”, he said on talkSPORT.
The former Manchester City boss also noted how Pep Guardiola encouraged the 25-year-old during the contest.
“There were a couple of times, once in the first half, where he miscontrolled it and there are times where Pep [Guardiola] can let you know, body language-wise, he can that he’s a bit angry but I tell you what, he didn’t. He just put his thumbs up as if to say I can tell you are having a tough time but I’m right behind you.”
Matheus Nunes perhaps needs a run of games
In our view, Stuart Pearce is correct about Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes not having his best of games on Wednesday.
Perhaps some may argue that it is far from easy for Nunes to impress when he has yet to get a run of games under his belt at City.
But then again, at elite clubs, where there is a lot at stake and heated competition for places, even new signings like the former Wolves dribbler must shine once they are given a chance in the side.
While that might be harsh on the ex-Sporting CP talisman, the next time he is given a start, he must make his mark and impress Pep Guardiola.
Unless that is the case, regular starts would become hard to come by for Matheus Nunes but of course, for the time being, one hopes his broken finger gets fully recovered before he focuses on having an impact on the pitch.
