The former Algeria international hit both the underside of the crossbar and the post with an audacious rabona attempt late in United’s 3-0 FFA Cup win over Heidelberg United last week.

The match was Matmour’s Reds debut having signed with the club in August from 1860 Munich, after a long career in Europe including stints at Borussia Moenchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt and Kaiserslautern.

The rabona attempt from the United number 10, who also provided the assist for Nikola Mileusnic’s third goal, was a glimpse of his style.

“I’m a creative player,” Matmour told FourFourTwo.

“I like to sometimes do some small tricks and this is how I play. Sometimes but not every time.

“On this time, it was spontanenous.”

Matmour brushed off questions about the rabona, pointing out he didn’t actually hit the target.

“It would’ve been very good if I scored but the crossbar stopped me,” Matmour said. “My target was to score.”

The 32-year-old only arrived in Australia late last month but said he was progressing with his fitness.

“My fitness is good but it’s not optimal,” he said.

“I have my targets and I’m in a good way. I think (Round One) will not be a problem.”

The best goal that never was

As for United’s cup run, Matmour wasn’t getting excited by their progress to the semi-finals.

“It is good but it’s nothing. The cup is only good if you win,” he said.

“My mentality is to win and to only be in the semi-final is good, but nothing to get excited about. It’s not the goal.

“In each game everybody can win. We’re all working hard every day to try to get the best team from our quality. We’ll see in a few weeks.”