Cunha truly is Manchester United's savior!

23/08/2025 07:04:00 SportScoop

After an inspiring debut in the 0-1 loss against Arsenal in the opening round, Matheus Cunha quickly captured the hearts of Old Trafford supporters.

With his refined technique, fierce competitive spirit, and explosive personality, Cunha is on the path to becoming United’s new icon, following legends like Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney.

The Brazilian rhythm shakes up Old Trafford

In the match against Arsenal, despite United’s defeat, Cunha thrilled the crowd with an outstanding display. Within just 20 minutes of settling in, he became the focus of all eyes. Though he didn’t score or assist, Cunha made an impression through his daring and personality. His spectacular solo run in the 32nd minute was a highlight, as he dribbled past four Arsenal players — Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Gabriel — before being stopped by David Raya. According to Sofascore, Cunha completed 4 out of 6 dribbles, the most in the game, and achieved an 88% pass accuracy (14 out of 16 passes), including a chance-creating pass. He took 4 shots, 3 on target, showing sharpness despite heavy pressure.

Cunha not only controls the ball but manipulates it like an artist. His Zidane-style turn against Timber and Kai Havertz made the crowd rise to their feet. Beyond offense, he actively pressed goalkeeper Raya, chased Havertz, tracked back to block Martinelli, and even argued with Ben White for time-wasting. That fierce fighting spirit recalls Wayne Rooney, Cunha’s childhood hero. He ran 9.4 km at a top speed of 34.5 km/h, ranking just behind a few teammates, demonstrating incredible stamina. Former star Rio Ferdinand praised Cunha, while captain Bruno Fernandes called him a “danger” with even bigger potential.

Cunha was voted Man of the Match by United fans. He made the audience forget Marcus Rashford, who had disappointed wearing the number 10 shirt. Now Cunha wears the legendary number 10, a heavy burden for many players like Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, or Angel Di Maria. Cunha brings a playing style full of personality, reminiscent of Cantona and Rooney — players who played with not only skill but also pride and heart.

Cunha proved his star quality right in his MU Premier League debut.

Deserving to be MU’s number 10

Cunha is not a flawless player. At Wolves, he received 18 yellow cards in 72 games and was sent off for acts of poor discipline, such as incidents with Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth and with Ipswich Town security staff. These moments show Cunha’s emotional nature, sometimes impulsive but always ready to make amends. After the security incident, he compensated for a broken pair of glasses, showing sincerity. United’s management carefully studied Cunha’s personality and believe that his “rebelliousness,” when controlled, will be a powerful weapon.

United fans always appreciate players with strong characters, and Cunha seems born to meet that expectation. At 26, Cunha is entering the prime of his career. His past journey was somewhat difficult, moving from Sion, RB Leipzig, Hertha BSC to Atletico Madrid, where he didn’t get along with coach Diego Simeone. Some coaches criticized Cunha’s finishing, attitude, or body language, but Amorim saw a raw gem in him that just needed polishing. Cunha’s call-up for both matches under Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti shows his remarkable development. He once earned the respect of Jamie Vardy, who gave him a shirt with the message: “Wishing you success, a wonderful player!”

Being given the number 10 shirt is a heavy responsibility, but Cunha has proven he is worthy. He told United he plays like his childhood idol Wayne Rooney, and signs of that appeared in the match against Arsenal. Former star Rooney, on BBC’s "The Wayne Rooney Show," praised Cunha as “exactly what MU needs” — a player with character, skill, and the ability to inspire teammates.

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