MU needs the 'madness' of Matheus Cunha.

Manchester United lost again, continuing their inconsistent run under Ruben Amorim.

ZNews•18/08/2025

In a Manchester United team accustomed to timidity and a lack of ideas, Cunha emerged as a direct thrust into the opposing defense, regardless of the final result.

But unlike previous dismal defeats, this time Old Trafford still had a glimmer of positivity to cling to. It came from Matheus Cunha – the Brazilian newcomer, who brought the energy and fighting spirit that the Stretford End crowd had long craved.

The kind of "madness" that Old Trafford needs.

Many people were skeptical when Man United signed Cunha. There were plenty of reasons: poor running statistics, inconsistent form, and an impulsive temperament.

In the past, such "gamble" signings often only led to disappointment. But in his debut match, Cunha showed why his "madness" was worth waiting for.

He didn't score, but every touch of the ball sent the crowd to their feet. Four shots, four successful dribbles, plus the fiery intensity in every tackle were enough to make him the brightest star of the team. In a Manchester United side accustomed to timidity and a lack of ideas, Cunha appeared like a drill piercing straight through the opposing defense, regardless of the final result.

For years, Old Trafford has been accustomed to seeing players hesitate, fumble sideways passes, or take hopeless long-range shots. Cunha is different. He turns his back to receive the ball, immediately accelerates, forcing the Arsenal defenders to huddle together. Unafraid of physical contact or arguments, he even debated with Odegaard – the opposing captain – as if to assert that he was not insignificant in the eyes of anyone.

The Brazilian flair in Cunha lies not only in his technique, but also in his improvisational skills and unwavering fighting spirit. His impulsiveness might lead him to make mistakes, but it's precisely this that brings a flavor United has long lacked: surprise, daring, and above all, an unyielding desire to attack.

The Brazilian essence of Cunha lies not only in his technique, but also in his improvisation and his unwavering fighting spirit.

A potential leader in the attack.

Manchester United spent a lot of money on attacking stars: Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee… But some have lost form, others are still inexperienced, and still others are too inconsistent. In this context, Cunha could become a pioneering figure – not only because of his skills, but also because of his personality.

Old Trafford was once illuminated by figures with big egos: the arrogant Cantona, the fiery Rooney, the explosive Ronaldo. They not only scored goals but also energized the entire team. Cunha may not have reached that level yet, but his debut showed he possesses the necessary quality: a never-give-up spirit. And sometimes, a revolution just needs to start with an individual like that.

No one denies that signing Cunha was a gamble. He had previously been criticized for his inconsistent form and his volatile temper.

But there are gambles worth taking, because the rewards aren't just goals, but also morale. Man United are stuck in a vicious cycle of lackluster performances. They need a risk-taker to break free.

Cunha brought something invaluable: the belief that the club could still play with the spirit of a great team – daring to attack, daring to challenge, daring to do things differently.