NafisaWolves were defeated by Manchester City on Friday night, and former player Matheus Nunes predictably faced a hostile reception from the travelling supporters.
The visitors entered this match at the Etihad on a six-game winning streak, having most recently triumphed over Leicester City 3-0.
In the opening phases of the encounter, Wolves posed a threat and could have found the net multiple times, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde notably squandering a prime opportunity.
However, on an evening when fans vented their frustrations at Marshall Munetsi, who underperformed, a signature Kevin De Bruyne goal secured a 1-0 victory for Man City over Wolves.
It was ultimately disappointing to see their seven-match unbeaten streak end, but at least the fans were able to express their animosity towards Matheus Nunes.
Wolves fans booed Matheus Nunes every time he touched the ball:
Nunes is widely despised among Wolves supporters for his departure from Molineux in 2023.
The Portuguese midfielder secured a £53 million transfer to Man City that summer, but prior to moving to the Etihad, Nunes went on strike to push through the transfer.
Ally McCoist criticized Nunes at the time for refusing to train and betraying his teammates and fans.
It was a choice by the player that was poorly received, and regrettably, he now encounters a negative response from fans whenever he faces Wolves.
That was evident on Friday night when Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui noted that Nunes was jeered when he controlled the ball, with sarcastic cheers from the away supporters whenever he was outplayed or misplaced a pass.
Journalist Liam Keen even reported that Nunes was booed before the match by the travelling fans after his image appeared on the big screen.
Wolves don’t even miss Nunes:
Wolves arguably outsmarted Man City with the £53m sale of the Portuguese star, as evidenced by his performances under Pep Guardiola.
The 26-year-old has only earned a consistent role in the team since Guardiola repurposed Nunes as a full-back, highlighting the difficulties he faced in midfield, as noted by the Spaniard.
“I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in the composure,” he said.
Guardiola then elaborated by pointing out some strengths of deploying Nunes at right-back rather than in an attacking role.
“The big mistake of full-backs is when you have the cross to the far post, where you are, always they are sleeping. He defended really well two or three crosses, like when Bruno put it to the far post for Dorgu.
“He has the attention and the physicality to do it. So he can play in that position and help us a lot.”
With a midfield partnership of Joao Gomes and Andre, alongside Nelson Semedo as a right wing-back, Wolves scarcely feel the absence of Nunes.
Nafisa
