Manchester United showed fight and desire to overcome a tricky Everton side last week, with Matheus Cunha catching the eye of Oliver Glasner.
As Manchester United prepare to welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, Oliver Glasner has not held back with his praise for his opponents.
Glasner picked eight United players out individually ahead of the game during his pre-game press conference, clearly admiring the quality that this third-place chasing Red Devils side has.
In particular, Matheus Cunha did something Glasner thinks sums up Michael Carrick’s impact at the club.
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Matheus Cunha celebrates in James Garner's face after winning a corner.
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Oliver Glasner was impressed with Matheus Cunha’s passion for Manchester United
Glasner spoke to the press all about United and Cunha’s moment of passion against Everton got a special call-out.
“They have a great spirit right now, as I mentioned. For me, it was really impressive seeing Matheus Cunha celebrating winning a duel in their own box [vs Everton], because I think this is what Michael Carrick brought into his team…”
This is in relation to when Cunha celebrated in James Garner’s face after a long battle throughout the game, which saw Cunha the victor.
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Cunha perfectly embodies everything that a United player should be, proving he has the fight and mentality needed to bring the club back to the top.
Under Ruben Amorim, United didn’t have this fight, and it led to the team being far too easy to beat. But Carrick has restored United’s need to win, and the players are responding perfectly.
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Cunha is everything Manchester United didn’t have during the struggle years
Before Cunha, United had Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in the same position, with neither willing to run through walls for the shirt and do the dirty work or whatever was required.
Cunha is a luxury player, yet when he isn’t showing incredible ability on the ball, he steps up off the ball with big tackles, relentless work-rate, and his antics when trying to hold onto a lead.
This makes United a nightmare to try and come back against, with Cunha the lead example, which must really frustrate opponents.
Hopefully, United will be comfortable enough against Palace not to need to hold on, but having the option there to utilise is excellent for the Red Devils.
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