Peter Schmeichel and Glenn Hoddle were on the same wavelength over the superb first-half impact of Matheus Cunha in Manchester United’s match against Chelsea.
Chelsea were dominant against Manchester United in the first half, but the link-up between Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha was the key difference-maker.
The Blues were temporarily down to 10 men while Wesley Fofana received treatment off the pitch and Man Utd capitalised against Chelsea before half-time.
Bruno Fernandes produced a superb cutback pass from out on the right and the ball bobbled into the Chelsea box before landing in the path of an onrushing Cunha.
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Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
ANOTHER assist for Bruno Fernandes! Surely now he breaks the record!!!
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Peter Schmeichel’s instant reaction to Matheus Cunha’s first-half Man Utd opener against Chelsea
Robert Sanchez stood little chance of denying Matheus Cunha after the Manchester United forward latched onto the end of Bruno Fernandes’ stunning assist.
Cunha perfectly timed his first-time strike and a helpless Robert Sanchez watched the ball land in the back of the Chelsea net and Man Utd took the first-half lead.
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Peter Schmeichel appeared on Premier League Productions alongside Glenn Hoddle and the United legend singled out the important influence of Cunha in the first half.
The 62-year-old former Man Utd No 1 insisted that Cunha “learned his lesson” from an early mistake in the match with his first-time approach for the opener.
“There’s only a couple of times Manchester United have done something positive in the game and both have involved Cunha,” he said, as per the Premier League’s official website.
“The first is spoiled by a heavy touch and he gets booked, but he learned his lesson; he hits the goal first time.”
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Wow! This proves it is all about taking your chances!
Man Utd were clinical when it mattered!!!
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Glenn Hoddle picks up on the same Man Utd mistake that Peter Schmeichel did over Matheus Cunha
Cunha produced a poor first-time touch inside the opening 30 minutes at Stamford Bridge and missed the opportunity to have a shot against Chelsea on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Brazil international was also booked after his failed attempt at a shot from Bryan Mbeumo’s pass, which led to him conceding a foul for Man Utd.
Hoddle insisted that Cunha showed the hallmark of a “top-quality player” after he made amends for the Man Utd error that Schmeichel picked up on in the match.
“United have found themselves 1-0 up, playing average and Chelsea have had the better chances,” he said.
“It’s a great position to be in. Cunha’s finish is great; he misses one chance, but that’s the mark of a top-quality player to find that moment and finish when you’re not playing so well yourself.”
Cunha, who arrived at Old Trafford from Wolves last summer, has been a key attacking threat for Man Utd interim head coach Michael Carrick this season.
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