Manchester United’s record in the transfer market has been vastly improved under Ineos.
Bryan Mbeumo’s consistent record of delivering in big games has made him an instant hit at Manchester United. It’s also impossible to ignore the calm assurance that Senne Lammens has brought to the team since he made his debut.
Benjamin Sesko is clearly a work in progress but United knew this when he joined. He is adjusting to the Premier League and showing good signs.
Matheus Cunha‘s time at the club has been tougher to read. His debut was impressive but he has been quite inconsistent, and United fans knew there was another level he could reach.
Proven in the Premier League, Cunha was United’s first summer signing at a fee of £62.5 million. We were just waiting for that one magic moment from the Brazilian to really announce himself. It finally arrived last weekend.
Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League
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Matheus Cunha had Man Utd dancing at The Emirates again 🕺
Was Cunha's goal the best he has scored for Man Utd?
Cunha
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Matheus Cunha’s big moment vs Arsenal
Matheus Cunha’s best moment in a Manchester United shirt came with his spectacular winning goal against Arsenal.
After receiving a pass from Kobbie Mainoo, Cunha took a touch, before unleashing an unstoppable curling strike into the bottom corner.
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Cunha hit the ball with pace and precision, leaving David Raya with no chance. He went on to celebrate in style, following Jesse Lingard by turning The Emirates into his own dancefloor.
This was the moment Cunha arrived. This was the reason Manchester United signed him first last summer, before anybody else. This was the reason Ineos were happy to spend £62.5 million.
Patrick Dorgu’s unfortunate hamstring injury now creates a place in the starting line-up. Cunha has been on the bench for the last two games, impressing with his performances from the bench.
He has been so good against City and Arsenal that it was becoming tough to keep Cunha out of the starting XI. Cunha now has a path back in with Dorgu out of action.
There is no guarantee Cunha will be a 10/10 every single week until the end of the season. We could see more inconsistency. But we have now seen him hit a huge high, and this will boost his confidence immeasurably.
In the clash with Fulham earlier in the season, United drew 1-1 with Cunha wasting a chance to score his first goal for the club when one-v-one with the goalkeeper. He also hit the post with another shot. This coming weekend against the same opponent he will be looking to make up for that.
Matheus Cunha is the man of the moment… what should his best position be in United’s starting XI?
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Huge praise for Matheus Cunha has raised expectation
Matheus Cunha was the key man for Wolves last season, scoring 15 Premier League goals. He has five for Manchester United so far this season.
Part of the trouble for Cunha has been trying to live up to the high expectations. He has had two spells out with injury that have delayed his progress.
There have also been incredibly high comparisons to past players that have played a part in those soaring expectations for Cunha.
Quinton Fortune told MUTV: “Cunha’s got that ability, we were very fortunate to play with Yorkie, he could drop back, play in behind, almost like a 10 role.
“Cunha’s ability in terms of his shooting from outside the box, he’s got the pass, he can run in behind. It’s good to see him back.”
Chief executive Omar Berrada even compared him to Eric Cantona last summer, quoted via The Athletic.
“I think he’s going to lift people off their seats. He’s got a bit of a swagger about him that people are going to really like. Dare I say, Cantona-esque.”
These comparisons may seem extreme, but there is some truth to them too. Cunha’s versatility, his long range shooting, and the way he gets the fans excited is truly special.
United fans knew deep down that Cunha was worth the £62.5 million, and were patient for the Brazilian to show why. Now he has delivered, and it is onwards and upwards from here.
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