Matheus Cunha made a significant impact on Sunday, helping Manchester United secure a 2-1 win over Liverpool. On 22 October, Cunha's performance was instrumental in the team's victory.
What happened?
Matheus Cunha arrived at Manchester United in August, and his presence has been felt throughout the team. Against Liverpool, he played a key part in the win, twisting and turning with the ball in tight situations.
Why it matters for Matheus Cunha
Cunha's qualities were crucial in the game, helping knit together Ruben Amorim's dynamic attacking trio. His ability to collect the ball in tricky positions and play simple passes to teammates has been impressive.
What comes next?
Matheus Cunha has yet to score or assist in his eight games for United, but his hustle and bustle throughout the game will give Amorim a "good problem" as he looks to decide upon a best XI for upcoming games. On 22 October, Harry Maguire's 84th-minute winner earned his side three points and a deserved man-of-the-match award.
Matheus Cunha brings grit and grace to United's attack. As Amorim reconfigures United's game to focus on long passes and fights for the first, second, and third ball, it helps to have a player like Cunha who can collect the ball in tricky positions.
Cunha is two-footed and technically secure, capable of besting a defender on the outside and wriggling into more central areas to dovetail with others. He spent the game's final 30 minutes trapping the ball in tight areas and alleviating pressure.
Ruben Amorim said, "Sometimes the characteristic of the game changes the way we approach it. Cunha in the middle — if we put Ben Sesko, it is easier for these kinds of centre-backs to control our striker." Amorim's tactics worked to great effect, with Cunha often dropping deep and dragging defenders out of position.
Matheus Cunha's recognition of when to dribble, when to duel, and when to pass the ball off into a better opportunity has been impressive. He can thrive on the counter-attack with plenty of space to run into, but can also earn his team five to 10 yards, or even a free kick, if fed the ball in a slower situation.
The Brazil international has been compared to Eric Cantona, with Omar Berrada describing him as "Eric Cantona-esque". While Cunha has a long way to go before matching Cantona's achievements, he certainly has a portion of his technical skill and moxie.
Matheus Cunha's performance against Liverpool has given Manchester United fans hope for the future. With his technical skill and moxie, he is sure to be a key player for the team in the upcoming games.