Matheus Cunha properly introduced himself to Old Trafford over the weekend by scoring his first goal for Manchester United and producing a thoroughly sensational display.
Cunha was ‘magic’ against Brighton as the Brazilian netted his first goal and played a key role in helping United secure three points.
Manchester United made it three wins in their last three Premier League matches as their revival under Ruben Amorim continues.
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The Red Devils won 3-2 against Brighton, and their new Brazilian attacker proved his doubters wrong with one impressive stat.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their 1st goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha was everywhere during Man United vs Brighton
Matheus Cunha was everywhere during Man United’s win over Brighton, as shown by his touch map from the match.
But just after signing for the Red Devils, it was highlighted that last season, the Brazilian actually spent more time walking than any other Premier League player.
Therefore, Cunha’s desire to get around the pitch during the 3-0 victory will quickly dismiss any concerns over his work ethic.
The 25-year-old spent 77.1 percent of the campaign walking across during matches, but that certainly seems to have changed since his switch to Old Trafford.
Against Brighton, Cunha managed the sixth most touches with 62 in the 81 minutes which he spent on the field.
But it wasn’t just about how many touches he took, but also where he was making them, with an array across the field at the Theatre of Dreams.
Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha both impressed Wayne Rooney, who is hoping the pair can now spearhead United to a strong finish this season.
Mbeumo also enjoyed a successful evening against the Seagulls as he netted a brace.
Matheus Cunha helped out Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro vs Brighton
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will also be thanking Cunha for the support he offered them during the win.
As highlighted by Michael Carrick, the former Wolves man was often spotted dropping deep to make up the numbers in midfield.
“A lot’s been said about the midfield pairing and the spaces they have to cover over the last year or so. As an ex-midfield player, I’m really interested in how they get help,” explained Carrick on Match of the Day.
“You can’t expect two midfielders against a good team to deal with three or four players, so how do you find the solution? They found the solution with the forwards dropping into support Bruno and Casemiro.
“There was no way against a Brighton team you could ask Bruno and Casemiro to do that formation and the formation was quite fluid.
“It was such a big shift from Mbeumo, Cunha, Bruno, Casemiro and Luke Shaw to fill the middle of the pitch.”