Why has Cunha been silent for so long?

Cunha has yet to score a goal for MU.

That's a disappointing figure considering MU spent £62 million to buy Cunha from Wolves in the summer of 2025. It's even sadder for the Brazilian star when compared to other new recruits. At this time, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have both scored two goals.

For a striker who scored 15 goals in 33 games last season, Cunha's silence is raising certain doubts about his adaptability and confidence in front of goal.

In 564 minutes of playing for MU, including 442 minutes in 7 Premier League matches, Cunha not only failed to score but also failed to provide a single assist. It is worth mentioning that he did not lack opportunities. The Brazilian player launched 23 shots, including 17 in the Premier League.

Cunha in thirst for goals

Cunha is very eager to finish when the opportunity is not ripe yet.

But the statistics show that the problem lies in the quality of each shot. Each of Cunha's shots averages just 0.09 xG – meaning a goal probability of just 9%. He is too impatient to find his scoring touch again, often choosing to shoot in difficult situations instead of waiting for the right moment.

Cunha averages 2.4 shots per game, but the effectiveness is still zero. Compared to his time at Wolves, he seems to have lost his composure and instinct to "choose the golden moment" to shoot. At Wolves, Cunha was confident when his teammates focused on passing the ball, but at MU, the number of opportunities came to Cunha as the burden of scoring was not focused on him. Therefore, whenever there was a chance to shoot, even if it was not really favorable, the Brazilian striker still "tried his luck".

The mentality of a thirsty player like Cunha to find goals can be easily explained. At MU, the pressure from the expectations of fans and the transfer value is probably weighing heavily on his shoulders. To break this streak of goalscoring drought, Cunha needs to regain his confidence, return to his natural and sharp style - the thing that made him a nightmare for many Premier League defenders last season. This responsibility belongs to Ruben Amorim and fortunately, the Portuguese coach still trusts the new signing from Wolves.

When value is not only in goals

Although he has not been able to score, Cunha's role in coach Amorim's tactical system is still very clear and is highly appreciated by the Portuguese coach. According to analysis by The Telegraph , it is the appearance of Cunha - along with Mbeumo and Mason Mount - that helps MU's attack become more flexible and unpredictable. This trio constantly switches positions, opening up many attacking options and making it difficult for opponents like Liverpool to predict their movement direction.

Cunha is expected to open fire soon.

Cunha is acting as a “tactical fulcrum” in counter-attacks. He often drops deep, holds the ball and stretches the defense, creating space for Mbeumo or Mount to penetrate. It is his ability to keep the ball in a tight area and calmly manage the game that helps MU control the game in important areas. In the 2-1 win over Liverpool, although he did not score, Cunha’s clever movements opened up space for Amad Diallo to advance and assist Mbeumo to score.

Amorim understands that sometimes the "setter" is more valuable than the finisher. Cunha's dynamism, speed and pressing ability help MU maintain pressure right from the front line. If he can maintain his consistency and integrate with Amorim's attacking rhythm, Cunha's first goal for the "Red Devils" is only a matter of time.

And then, he could become the perfect piece in the attacking revolution that Amorim is creating at Old Trafford.

All goals of the match Liverpool 1-2 MU On the night of October 19, MU excellently defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in round 8 of the Premier League 2025/26.

Source: https://znews.vn/vi-sao-cunha-tit-ngoi-qua-lau-post1595571.html