Matheus Cunha has had a slow start to life at Old Trafford but Man Utd need him to show the form he displayed at Wolves.
Matheus Cunha isn’t likely to forget Manchester United’s trip to Molineux last season in a hurry. Wearing the old gold of Wolves, the Brazilian scored direct from a corner as his stock rose in the Premier League.
That was one of 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term, as well as six assists. It was an impressive record in a struggling team and Cunha looked to have the swagger and self-confidence to make it at Old Trafford, which is why United didn’t think twice about activating his £62.5million release clause.
Cunha has had a taste of a big club previously, but a two-year stint at Atletico Madrid never took off and he left the Spanish capital to move to Wolves. Now more settled in his game, more mature, and shining in a system almost identical to Ruben Amorim’s, he looked an obvious signing for United.
With Premier League experience, he was also expected to hit the ground running, but that hasn’t happened. While Bryan Mbeumo has settled quickly after his move from Brentford, Cunha has found the going tougher.
Amorim said he had “more levels to go” on Wednesday and mentioned the “different pressure” of playing for a club like United. With one goal so far and zero assists, it is clear that the lack of returns are weighing on Cunha’s mind. Speaking before his return to the team against West Ham after missing the last two fixtures, Amorim suggested the 26-year-old was still enjoying his influence on the team.
“What I mean is that I think he feels that he wants to score. He wants to assist,” said Amorim. “But he is really happy playing the game. It is really important.
“I think he struggled with these two games out. He was struggling because he wants to play. He had fun playing the game And that is so important in our team. Guys having fun. Wanting the challenge. The pressure. He is that guy. So I think it was not good for him to stop playing.
“He watched a lot of players playing well. Especially in his position. So he is not happy. Tomorrow maybe he will have the opportunity to come back and to score again or assist.”
His return to action on Thursday didn’t go to plan. He snatched at one presentable chance to double United’s lead but was generally on the periphery of the game, outshone as a creative force by Mbeumo, as well as Joshua Zirkzee and Amad. He looked out on his feet before he was withdrawn with 15 minutes to go.
In a team struggling for creativity and goals, it is clear United need more from a £62.5million Brazilian wearing the No.10 shirt. Cunha needs to take inspiration from Mbeumo, who has taken his confidence from Brentford and shown it on the bigger stage.
There are times when Cunha appears to be playing within himself and not displaying the cocksure attitude he had when he was shining for Wolves.
He has the talent to make a big difference to this United team. Cunha is adept at receiving the ball between the lines and bringing drive and pace from those attacking midfield roles. He can be an aggressive ball carrier and as well as having an eye for goal, he can be a creator.
His attacking output has not changed significantly since he moved from Wolves. In three seasons in the Midlands, he averaged 3.07 shots per 90 minutes. So far at United, he is averaging 3.17 shots per 90 minutes. That might well be a reflection of United’s disappointing attack rather than Cunha not raising his game.
Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings on Monday night will spark something in him. It will be interesting to see what kind of reaction Cunha gets there. It is his departure that looks to have sealed Wolves’ fate and they appear destined for a return to the Championship.
Their star man has gone on to bigger and better things, but he needs to start delivering more in a red shirt.
