Matheus Cunha has not scored for Manchester United but he has still made a huge impact since his summer move.
During Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, Matheus Cunha played the full 90 minutes at Anfield.
Ruben Amorim made a bold call to drop Benjamin Sesko after he scored two goals in his last two matches, with Cunha starting up front in a mobile attack alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount.
It was a brave decision, but one that paid off almost immediately as Mbeumo scored in the opening two minutes.
Cunha was described as “unplayable” by United legend Rio Ferdinand, and without even scoring he has already silenced his biggest critics.
Matheus Cunha has calmed workrate concerns
Before completing his move to United, there were concerns over Cunha’s running stats at Wolves.
Statistically, he walked more than any other player in the Premier League in 2024/25. Cunha spent 77.6% of his game time walking.
But that is also a trait often associated with one of the best players of all time, Lionel Messi. Anyone who was concerned about Cunha’s workrate can dismiss their worries after watching his display at Anfield.
Cunha raved about United’s “passion” at Anfield, and he was at the very centre of it, celebrating fouls and every kick of the ball in the final few minutes.
The Brazilian left everything on the pitch, much to the pleasure of Amorim on the sidelines.
Man United outran Liverpool at Anfield
When he first arrived in Manchester, Amorim wanted United to ‘run like mad dogs’, suggesting that the squad did not track back enough or outrun their opponents.
Almost a year into his tenure, Amorim’s United produced an extremely hard-working performance in a hostile environment, earning the Red Devils their first victory at Anfield in nine years.
As per BBC Sport, United covered 112.16km against Liverpool, while the hosts only covered 109.04km.
READ MORE: Three decisions Ruben Amorim got right against Liverpool, and one he got wrong
United outran, outfought and outscored their arch-rivals despite not being at their very best. Cunha led from the front with his pressing, while his protection of the ball was sublime.
Concerns over Cunha’s attitude were overplayed, and he has already proven at United that he is ready to give everything on the pitch.
from United In Focus https://www.unitedinfocus.com/opinion/matheus-cunha-has-already-silenced-the-biggest-concern-about-him-before-joining-man-united/