Sam Allardyce believes Man Utd now have the player they have been 'crying out for'placeholder image
Sam Allardyce believes Man Utd now have the player they have been 'crying out for' | Getty Images
Manchester United made some key signings during the summer transfer window
The Brazilian does play as a number 10 and has been used alongside Bryan Mbeumo in United’s opening three games of the campaign. He has yet to score or assist but has looked a threat in games, especially in the narrow loss to Arsenal.
He almost bagged the Red Devils’ first goal of the season against the Gunners but was denied by a fine save by David Raya as he looked to fire the ball across goal and into the corner.
Former Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers boss Allardyce feels United have needed an extra body slightly further back to help them dictate games more. The Red Devils banked their first win of the campaign ahead of the international break as they beat Burnley 3-2 with a last-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Sam Allardyce and Matt Jarvis reflect on Matheus Cunha early Man Utd performances
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast on YouTube, Allardyce said of Cunha: “He gives you the extra midfield ball carrier, which is most important these days. Everyone knows if you control the midfield, you control the game. So you’re putting in someone who plays as a ‘false nine’, or ‘CAM’, which is a garbage acronym, but United have been crying out for someone like him.”
Former Wolves midfielder Matt Jarvis was a guest on the podcast, and added: “He can fit anywhere. You’ve seen him at the start of this season, he’s got that freedom. He glides past people, he’s so comfortable on the ball, and he can create something and make something happen. I think that’s what United have missed.
“The number 10 role is probably his best position, he likes to drop off, receive the ball and turn. You’ve seen his runs, picking it up on the edge of his box and bursting forward. For me, he’s a number 10, but he’s a top player, he really is.”
Will Matheus Cunha play against Manchester City?
He did share a post on Instagram teasing a return as he shared an image on an exercise bike and captioned it “the time is flying” but nothing has been confirmed on his current match fitness.
Mason Mount also picked up an injury against Burnley. Amorim said ahead of the international break: “It was hard to lose Cunha and Mason Mount, because Mason Mount played 30 minutes with an injury.
“I’m concerned about that, because they are so important for us. We will see.”
He added: "We need those guys really bad to be really competitive.”
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