Manchester United’s post-season tour of Asia started in disastrous fashion, which was not well received in Malaysia.
Losing 1-0 to an ASEAN All-Stars side on Wednesday is not good, no matter how it is spun.
Manchester United’s players looked disinterested and as though they didn’t want to be there.
There were several academy players who impressed for United. However, the effort levels between youngsters and first team players ultimately meant the performance was very hot and cold, and United were booed off the pitch by supporters.
One academy player that fans were excited to catch a glimpse of was among those encouraging performers. Now, with the impending arrival of Matheus Cunha, the 19-year-old has a mentor in his position.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jack Moorhouse can learn a lot from Matheus Cunha
Jack Moorhouse was one youngsters Amorim handed minutes to on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur.
Moorhouse put in a 7/10 performance on his first senior appearance, showing creation and his elite ball carrying ability, with Rasmus Hojlund’s passing at one stage killing an excellent move he started.
It is Moorhouse’s ball-carrying that is his standout ability, differing from any other player in the squad. That is, until Cunha joins.
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Cunha and Moorhouse possess similar qualities in terms of what they bring to their team, and so the Brazilian will be an excellent mentor for United’s teenager.
Moorhouse has been tipped for a loan next season, but he can still watch and learn from how Cunha implements his ball-carrying.
Cunha and Moorhouse have rare quality that Manchester United lacks
Amorim was impressed with Moorhouse during an under-21 game back in September, and ever since then, he has been in and around the first team, yet he didn’t make an appearance.
This shows that Amorim values the profile of player Moorhouse, without thinking that he was completely ready. However, signing Cunha shows Amorim wants these qualities in his team.
An infographic showing Matheus Cunha's 2024-25 season stats.
Matheus Cunha infographic – SofaScore
Cunha completed 61 dribbles in the Premier League last season, which is the 95th percentile, demonstrating his ability to pick up the ball and carry it forward, which is a massive benefit to his teammates and should help United’s attack.
Moorhouse, meanwhile, can learn from the 26-year-old and potentially establish himself as the successor.