Matheus Cunha Faces Pressure to Deliver at Manchester United

Matheus Cunha’s arrival at Manchester United was heralded as a new dawn for the club’s attack, with high hopes pinned on the Brazilian to inject flair and decisive quality. Comparing him to Red Devils icon Eric Cantona, CEO Omar Berrada set lofty expectations after United’s £62.5 million investment. Yet, after six months, United fans are still waiting for the consistent brilliance Cunha displayed at Wolves to materialize in Manchester.

Matheus Cunha’s Mixed Start at Old Trafford

Matheus Cunha started his Manchester United tenure with energy and creativity, showing promise in his debut against Arsenal. However, despite flashes of skill, his productivity has lagged, with only one goal in his first several appearances. A missed penalty in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town and a string of quiet performances—such as a lackluster outing versus West Ham—have raised concerns over his adaptation to United’s demands and the Premier League spotlight.

Why United Need More from Matheus Cunha

With United finishing just above Wolves last season, fans hoped Cunha would be the match-winner the club desperately needed. His ability to lift a struggling Wolves side kept them afloat, but so far, that match-defining spark has been rare at Old Trafford. Managerial changes haven’t made things easier, with Cunha struggling for influence under interim boss Darren Fletcher and finding himself played out of his preferred role on the left or as a central No.10.

Adapting Tactics to Unlock Cunha’s Potential

Cunha’s best performances come when cutting in from the left or operating behind the striker, but tactical shifts to a 4-2-3-1 have limited his opportunities. With Fernandes firmly entrenched as United’s primary playmaker and new signings like Bryan Mbeumo returning, competition for creative roles is fiercer than ever. Cunha must now refine his movement, get closer to goal, and convert more of his shots into goals—especially as his xG per shot is well below what United require from a leading attacker.

Comparison with Rashford: A Tempting But Risky Move

Calls to recall Marcus Rashford from Barcelona have intensified amid Cunha’s struggles. Rashford has regained form in Spain, contributing 18 goals and assists in 27 games. However, United’s decision to move on from Rashford was rooted in restoring squad harmony after a period of toxic dressing room culture. Bringing him back risks undoing that progress, especially as Rashford previously struggled with consistency and commitment at Old Trafford.

The Confidence Factor and Room for Growth

Managerial voices at United remain supportive of Matheus Cunha, citing his influence and work rate even when goals are lacking. His technical quality and willingness to demand the ball during tough spells are traits United teams of the past have prized. However, statistics show Cunha still drops too deep to influence matches, resulting in fewer touches in the opposition box and less threat in dangerous areas.

What Cunha Must Change

For Matheus Cunha to meet expectations, he must focus on operating closer to the goal. He leads United in shot attempts, yet these efforts are often from poor positions, lowering his chances of scoring. Improving his movement, timing runs in behind defenders, and building a stronger connection with United’s midfield creators are all essential steps. Patience with Cunha is wearing thin, and United’s pursuit of a top-five Premier League finish could hinge on his ability to adapt quickly.

Looking Ahead: Can Cunha Justify His Price Tag?

Cunha’s journey at Manchester United is at a crossroads. His performances remain under scrutiny, especially with big-money signings like Benjamin Sesko also struggling to deliver immediate impact. While Cunha still has time to turn the tide and justify his transfer fee, the challenge of playing for an elite club requires resilience and end product—qualities he must now show consistently.

Opinion: Stick with Cunha, Resist Rashford’s Return

United should resist reverting to old solutions like Marcus Rashford. Matheus Cunha brings a higher footballing IQ, greater team ethic, and an eagerness to improve. Rather than undermining squad unity, the club would do better to support Cunha’s adaptation and leverage his core strengths. If given time and tactical clarity, Cunha still has the potential to become a new fan favorite at Old Trafford.

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