Matheus Cunha spared Manchester United's blushes by snatching a 1-1 draw against rivals Leeds United on Sunday, but Benjamin Sekso endured one of his worst performances for the Red Devils, looking on a different page to his team-mates before missing the target with a close-range sitter.
Manchester United saw festive cheer sapped by an injury to Bruno Fernandes during their visit to Aston Villa, with a Morgan Rogers brace firing the hosts to a 2-1 win and 10th consecutive victory in all competitions. Matheus Cunha was handed a gift late in the first-half, as he found the target, but defensive frailties ensured that the Red Devils left the West Midlands with nothing to show for their efforts.
Ruben Amorim has been told he only has two players who rank above "average" at Manchester United. Their chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night felt like a microcosm of Amorim’s reign so far. There was attacking intent and moments of genuine quality, but also defensive fragility, lapses in concentration and an inability to manage key moments. United led three times, looked to have landed the knockout blow late on, and still contrived to let victory slip away.
Manchester United legend Paul Parker has revealed a "big worry" about summer signing Matheus Cunha. He arrived at Old Trafford with a price tag large enough to command immediate attention and expectations. However, only a few months on from his £62.5 million move from Wolves, the Brazilian forward finds himself with only a single Premier League goal to his name, which came during October’s frenetic 4-2 victory over Brighton.
Ruben Amorim has challenged Matheus Cunha to raise his game after a slow start to his Manchester United career and to avoid being too affected by social media criticism over his lack of goals and assists. Cunha has scored only one goal for the Red Devils following his £62.5m move from Wolves in the summer but will have the chance to increase his account against West Ham on Thursday.
Manchester United may have an injury concern on their hands after Matheus Cunha didn't show up at a planned Christmas lights switch-on. The Brazil forward was supposed to flick the switch on in Altrincham but the event organisers said he was unable to attend due to an incident in training. It remains to be seen if he will feature against Everton on Monday.
Matheus Cunha has proven he truly knows what it means to be a Manchester United player. Cunha moved to Old Trafford over the summer, joining for £62.5 million from Wolves as United won the race to sign the Brazil international. The 26-year-old has quickly established himself as a fan favourite for the Manchester powerhouse and has done so further with his off-field commitments.
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has discussed how he's grown as a player and a person since being overlooked for Brazil's squad for the 2022 World Cup. The likes of Antony, Gabriel Jesus and Pedro were selected ahead of the 26-year-old by then-Selecao manager Tite, although Cunha is back in favour under Carlo Ancelotti and has a strong chance of making the cut this time around. Click the play button above to hear what the former Wolves attacker had to say about dealing with the "very painful" experience of being snubbed three years ago ⬆️
Matheus Cunha recalled his tunnel conversation with Ruben Amorim last season after starring in Wolves' 1-0 win at Old Trafford in April. Cunha eventually went on to sign for Manchester United in the summer transfer window after the English giants triggered his £62.5million ($85m) release clause. Cunha, along with Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, was brought in at Old Trafford as part of Amorim's squad overhaul.
Matheus Cunha says he is determined to "bring back the glory days" at Manchester United. The Brazilian has helped Ruben Amorim's team become a more competitive force this season but the ex-Wolves man says this is just the beginning. But amid his impressive start to the season, the 26-year-old was quick to downplay comparisons to Red Devils icon Eric Cantona.
Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha as a "maverick" who "has an aura about him," praising the Brazilian's fearless style and mental edge since joining from Wolves. The United boss believes Cunha's unpredictable brilliance and psychological impact on opponents have transformed his side's attacking play during a promising start to the season.
"The aim has to be winning the Premier League. I know people will be questioning me for saying it after last season, but it has to be that," Luke Shaw said to Sky Sports during Manchester United's pre-season tour of America. "We all have to have the same beliefs and ambitions, and that family feeling together, and we’ll strive for the same thing." That was not just a questionable declaration; it was borderline delusional after the worst campaign in the club's entire history.
In-form forward Bryan Mbeumo has been Manchester United’s “best signing” of the season so far, according to club legend Wayne Rooney. The Cameroon international has received plenty of plaudits after inspiring the Red Devils to a remarkable upturn in form, with Ruben Amorim’s men having recorded three straight victories against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton.
Owen Hargreaves has admitted he already 'loves' a player Manchester United signed over the summer. United invested heavily in their attack in the off-season to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. The Premier League powerhouse also brought in a new goalkeeper as Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp. And Hargreaves has lavished praise upon a new attacking arrival.
Bruno Fernandes spoke highly of Manchester United's summer transfer business, while reserving special praise for Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha, who moved to United from Wolves in the last window. Fernandes, being the leader of the pack at Old Trafford, named the unique qualities of each of United's new four signings as the club spent heavily to rebuild the squad under Ruben Amorim.
A £60 million-plus Manchester United signing from Brazil would normally be guaranteed a place in the starting line-up in the biggest game of the season at Liverpool. And yet Matheus Cunha is most likely to spend the first part of Sunday’s visit to Anfield in the Premier League warming the bench due to the renaissance of another £60m man in Mason Mount.