Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha put in a stirring attacking performance against Bournemouth – but did not leave Old Trafford with a win.
A freak result at Old Trafford saw Manchester United held to a 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.
What a crazy result! Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
What shocked you the most about the game? Our defence or our attack?
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For the second week in a row Manchester United scored four goals. But this time, sloppy defending let the team down at the other end.
The shining star in United’s attacking play was forward Matheus Cunha, who delivered one of his best performances for the club since he joined in the summer.
Cunha scored United’s fourth goal to put the team 4-3 up, hoping his strike would be the winner.
Bournemouth rallied and scored an equaliser, making it three home games for United without a victory.
Matheus Cunha celebrates goal
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Who was your Man Utd man of the match vs Bournemouth?
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Matheus Cunha delivers for United
Matheus Cunha was impressive on his Manchester United debut against Arsenal, but ended up with nothing to show for it.
He scored his first goal in a win over Brighton, a week after a stirring, gritty performance away at Liverpool.
This game against Bournemouth was Cunha’s best all-round performance in a Manchester United shirt.
He took his goal at the Stretford End like he had been playing for Manchester United for years, and celebrated like it meant the world to him.
In truth, the goal was just the icing on the cake. Cunha was a threat throughout the game, and a real creative force.
He put in a cross in the first half for Bryan Mbeumo that had Gary Neville comparing it on commentary to Wayne Rooney’s famous pass to Robin van Persie against Aston Villa in 2013.
Mbeumo struck the volley with a clean connection but it whizzed narrowly over the bar instead of hitting the back of the net.
Cunha created three goalscoring chances, and had three shots on target of his own. He was unlucky to leave the pitch with only a point.
He was a constant threat, with four shots blocked by Bournemouth’s defenders.
Matheus Cunha deserved to be on the winning team vs Bournemouth
Was that Matheus Cunha's best performance for Man Utd?
Matheus Cunha points- stats graphic
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Cunha looks like he belongs
Manchester United missed Matheus Cunha badly in the 1-0 defeat to Everton last month.
United’s attack really clicked against Bournemouth, and at the worst possible time, the team are set to be without Bryan Mbeumo and Amad.
Both players now head to the African Cup of Nations, and Matheus Cunha will be expected to step up.
His performance against Bournemouth was an encouraging sign, and now United need some consistency out of him.
Who will be Manchester United’s most important attacking player when Mbeumo and Amad depart for the AFCON?
Who do YOU think is going to STEP UP?
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Cunha will be disappointed with his overall output of just two goals for Manchester United so far, but if he keeps on playing like this, he will start racking up the numbers.
Most of what we have seen from the Brazilian has been positive, and this was a performance that proved he belongs at the club.
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