Manchester United opened the door for the UCL qualification rivals with a draw at Bournemouth, but got a glimpse of an exciting future in the process.
Referees dominated the discussion during Man Utd’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, but it shouldn’t detract from another maverick display by Matheus Cunha.
Cunha has taken to the wide winger role extremely well, and his ability to go both inside and outside is adding a unique tactical dimension to the attack.
After the game against Bournemouth, it’s clear that Cunha hasn’t even played with his best partner yet, one who will unlock the perfect XI for Michael Carrick.
Patrick Dorgu scores for Manchester United vs Arsenal
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Matheus Cunha on the wing is ideal for Patrick Dorgu at left-back
In the initial few games under Carrick, Cunha was seen as the rival to Patrick Dorgu’s position, who had started making waves playing further forward.
Cunha was still making a difference from the bench, but Dorgu vs the Brazilian was firmly a debate under Carrick.
Dorgu’s injury opened the door for Cunha to stake his claim, and after some growing pains due to being a different type of player than Dorgu, the best of both worlds seems unlocked.
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Not only is Cunha stretching the pitch horizontally by starting out wide, but he’s also using his left foot more to keep things unpredictable.
He’s having to do both right now because he lacks a dynamic, overlapping full-back behind him.
That’s a role that looks tailor-made for Dorgu right now due to his athletic profile and final-third threat.
The answer to the Cunha vs Dorgu debate was “both”, and that can happen with a single change to the current XI.
Luke Shaw is a weak spot in the current XI
If Dorgu starts at LB, Luke Shaw will have to make way, and as unfortunate as that is, it’s the decision that makes sense from all perspectives.
What is your verdict on Matheus Cunha’s debut season for Man United?
Matheus Cunha graphic
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Shaw, in his current form, has lost the dynamism to go up and down the flank all game.
Carrick is almost hiding him as a quasi left-sided centre-back, which is having a cascading negative effect on the whole team.
Cunha is having to do more, Diogo Dalot is forced to overlap and miss chances in the final third, and Ayden Heaven sits on the bench because Shaw is already playing the left-footed CB role.
Shaw’s experience and positional understanding can still be a good option for games against teams that have electric wingers.
However, in at least 26/38 games every season, United will face a low-block, which requires additional thrust in the final third.
Dorgu behind Cunha is the change that unlocks the perfect XI, with each player performing their ideal role, not having to compensate for each other.
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