In a Man United team that is used to being timid and lacking ideas, Cunha appeared like a drill that broke straight into the opponent's defense, regardless of the final result. |
But unlike the previous gloomy defeats, this time Old Trafford still had a positive flavor to cling to. It came in the form of Matheus Cunha - a new Brazilian player who brought the energy and fighting spirit that the Stretford End had long craved.
The "crazy" quality that Old Trafford needs
Many people were skeptical when Man United recruited Cunha. There were many reasons: poor running statistics, inconsistent performance, and impulsive temperament.
In the past, such “gamble” signings have often left only disappointment. But in his debut, Cunha showed why his “madness” was worth the wait.
He didn’t score, but every touch of the ball made the crowd jump. Four shots, four successful dribbles, plus the ferocity in every challenge were enough to make him the team’s brightest point. In a Man United accustomed to being timid and lacking in ideas, Cunha appeared like a drill that broke straight into the opposition’s defense, regardless of the final result.
Old Trafford has been used to seeing players faltering, struggling to pass the ball sideways or shooting from afar in vain for many years. Cunha was different. He turned his back to receive the ball, immediately accelerating, forcing Arsenal's defenders to huddle together. Not afraid of collisions, not afraid of arguments, he even argued with Odegaard - the opposing captain - as if to prove that he was not small in front of anyone.
Cunha’s Brazilian quality lies not only in his technique, but also in his spontaneity and his relentless drive. His impulsiveness may have led to mistakes, but it brought the spice that United had been lacking for so long: surprise, recklessness, and above all, the desire to attack to the end.
The Brazilian quality of Cunha lies not only in technique, but also in improvisation and the spirit of "burning" to the end. |
It is no coincidence that Man United's board of directors has been eyeing Cunha since the 2024/25 season. When he was still wearing the Wolves shirt, he used to torment the "Red Devils" defense with his speed and boldness. Those who witnessed that day certainly will not forget the feeling of helplessness. Now, wearing the red shirt, Cunha has somewhat recreated that image, making fans feel that they have an attacker capable of disturbing any defense.
Cunha is not the type of striker who can carry the team. He is not Eric Cantona or Wayne Rooney who can instantly change the face of the team. But for Man United at the moment, just one player who dares to hold the ball and break through is enough to make a difference. At the Stretford End, where confidence is running low, each of his reckless dribbles is a spark that warms the gloomy atmosphere.
A potential leader on the offensive line
Man United spent a lot of money on attacking stars: Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee... But some were out of form, some were immature, others were too erratic. Cunha, in that context, could become a pioneer - not only because of his expertise, but also because of his personality.
Old Trafford has been lit up by big egos: the arrogant Cantona, the fiery Rooney, the explosive Ronaldo. They not only scored goals, they energised the team. Cunha may not have reached that level, but his debut showed he has the necessary quality: the spirit of not giving up. And sometimes a revolution starts with just one individual like that.
No one denies that recruiting Cunha was a gamble. He has been criticized for his inconsistent performance and difficult-to-control temperament.
But there are gambles worth taking, because the reward is not just goals, but also spirit. Man United are stuck in a vicious cycle of dullness. They need a daredevil to break it.
Cunha brought something invaluable: the belief that the club could still play with the spirit of a big team - daring to attack, daring to challenge, daring to do things differently. |
Cunha cannot solve everything on his own. He cannot help Bayindir keep the ball more firmly, nor can he turn a fragile defence into a steel wall. But Cunha brings something invaluable: the belief that the club can still play with the spirit of a great team - daring to attack, daring to challenge, daring to do things differently.
The defeat to Arsenal exposed many problems at Man United, from the defense to the coaching bench. But in that gloomy picture, Matheus Cunha created a rare bright spot. He did not score, but he lit a fire. A fire of belief, of hope, and of excitement that Old Trafford had not felt for a long time.
It can be said that Man United have found something precious: a player who is ready to rush forward, ready to take risks, ready to become a new symbol. And if given the opportunity, Cunha can absolutely become the central figure in the journey to rebuild the "Red Devils".
This gamble is risky, but for the fans, it is worth every minute on the field. Because sometimes, in football, what people need most is not just victory, but the feeling that their team still knows how to fight, knows how to make the audience's hearts flutter. Cunha did that on his first day wearing the red shirt.
Source: https://znews.vn/mu-can-chat-dien-cua-mattheus-cunha-post1577830.html
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