Alan Pardew has now suggested that one Manchester United star under Ruben Amorim has the type of elite mentality expected at La Liga outfit Real Madrid.
Ruben Amorim has now seen positive signs emerge within his Manchester United first-team squad after the Red Devils’ recent run of league form under him.
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United have lost only once in their last five Premier League matches, with the Red Devils winning three consecutive matches in October alone in the 2025-26 season.
However, the Red Devils were unable to make it four Premier League wins on the spin after United’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at City Ground.
United blew a 1-0 lead over Nottingham Forest early in the second half before the Red Devils snatched a Premier League point thanks to Amad Diallo’s equaliser.
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim talks to Diogo Dalot and Matheus Cunha during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium in 2025 in Brentford, England.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Alan Pardew’s Real Madrid remarks about Man Utd summer signing Matheus Cunha speak volumes
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been able to roll out a new attacking dynamic for the Red Devils after Ineos’ spending spree in the summer.
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United landed Matheus Cunha from Wolves in June before signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in July and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in August.
Matheus Cunha has only netted once in nine Premier League appearances for United, but the ex-Wolves ace has been a lively attacking threat in the final third.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Alan Pardew has insisted that the 26-year-old Brazilian forward carries the bravado of someone who thinks he could play for Real Madrid.
“But these guys [Man Utd’s summer signings], they kind of already had the confidence of the Premier League under their belt,” he said.
“And in Cunha, in particular, you know, you got a player who probably thinks he should be a player for Real Madrid.
“He has that kind of inner belief. And that’s what you need at those big clubs.”
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What Alan Pardew has spotted from Matheus Cunha’s Man Utd performances under Ruben Amorim
Matheus Cunha, who has featured in 10 matches across all competitions this season, went his first eight league fixtures for United without finding the back of the net.
However, the Brazil international finally broke his goalscoring drought last month after he scored United’s opener against Brighton in the 4-2 win at Old Trafford.
Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Pardew believes that Cunha has shown his effectiveness with linking up with Bruno Fernandes on the pitch.
“And so, when he takes the ball, when he can, you know, he can link up with Fernandes, no problem,” he continued.
“You know, they’re on the same wavelength. It’s just how he’s [Amorim] going to fit that puzzle together.
“At the moment, he’s still kind of tinkering with it, but in the end, he’ll get a solution and, hopefully, as I say, they’ll have a great season.”
Cunha recently played the full 90 minutes of United’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League clash at City Ground on Saturday afternoon.