Manchester United’s impressive double signing has been hurt by a stop-start season.
Ineos improved the Manchester United squad by signing in two proven Premier League performers, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Cunha and Mbeumo quickly set about making an impact, and they have helped Manchester United improve on last year’s 15th placed finish, to currently rank seventh.
However, there is one problem for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – a lack of consistency in getting on the pitch together.
Cunha has suffered two separate injuries, while Mbeumo is now set to depart for the African Cup of Nations.
Matheus Cunha celebrates goal
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Mbeumo and Cunha showed glimpse of partnership
Manchester United’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Bournemouth could have been even better, if Mbeumo had kept a volley slightly under the crossbar.
Mbeumo connected almost perfectly with Cunha’s first half cross, displaying signs of an impressive partnership that the pair are beginning to build.
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And now, after United scored a combined eight goals in two matches, the team’s attack is set to be changed around again, with Mbeumo and Amad’s absence.
Shocking Mbeumo and Cunha numbers set to dip
In the 2025/26 season to date, Manchester United have played a combined 1,530 minutes in all competitions.
Bryan Mbeumo has played in 1,451 minutes, while Matheus Cunha has only been able to play in 941.
But not all of their minutes have crossed over together. United In Focus can reveal that Cunha and Mbeumo have only played together for 843 minutes this season.
This means the duo have only been on the pitch together for 56 per cent of Manchester United’s season so far.
This number needs to be so much higher! Cunha and Mbeumo have great potential together!
If Cunha and Mbeumo were on the pitch together for 75% or more of our total minutes, what position would we be in the Premier League table?
Cunha and Mbeumo stat graphic
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United need consistency, and Mbeumo/Cunha numbers set to plummet
This season has had a very ‘start-stop’ vibe, interrupted by three international breaks in September, October and November.
This has contributed to a lack of consistency, and now Mbeumo heads off on international duty once again.
Cunha and Mbeumo have played together in 56 per cent of Manchester United’s minutes this season, but over the coming weeks this is set to plummet.
In the final three games of 2025 alone, United’s minutes total will reach 1,800, while the 843 minutes played by the two stars together won’t change.
By this point, Mbeumo and Cunha will have played together in 46 per cent of Manchester United’s season.
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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United need time to gel
It always takes time for new signings to gel, and in the second half of the season, we hope that there will be fewer interruptions for Mbeumo and Cunha.
Manchester United need them both on the pitch together as much as possible. We have seen how dangerous they can be.
There is a third piece of the puzzle too, Benjamin Sesko. He has only just returned from injury.
Over the next few games, Cunha and Sesko have a chance to build up their own connection.
If they can do so successfully and both stay fit, then the prospect of Mbeumo’s return will be even more enticing.
Patience is going to be needed for the pair to hit their full potential, and a little luck in the second half of the season – but the signs are very encouraging.
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