Sports
Matheus Cunha Was Absolutely ‘Diabolical’ in Man Utd vs Wolves
Manchester United ended 2025 on a disappointing note as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against the Premier League’s bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers. And one player’s performance left a lot to be desired.
Having impressed in their 1-0 win against Newcastle after altering their tactics, Ruben Amorim reverted to his preferred setup against the Old Gold and his side struggled to create chances early on. But they found some good fortune when Joshua Zirkzee’s deflected effort trundled past the stranded Jose Sa.
United found their feet after that, coming close to doubling their advantage when Benjamin Sesko hit the post from a corner. But Wolves steadily grew into the game and drew level just before half-time as Ladislav Krejci headed home from a corner.
The hosts were then nearly gifted an equaliser in the 55th minute when a defensive mix-up saw Yerson Mosquera head the ball towards goal and past Sa, only for the shot-stopper to scramble back and claw the ball off the line. And Wolves then nearly took the lead, with Senne Lammens making a good double save to deny them.
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Home fans thought their side had snatched a victory in the 90th minute, though, when Patrick Dorgu finished from close range after Sesko saw an initial effort saved. But the offside flag went up to deny United all three points.
Matheus Cunha’s Lacklustre Night Against Wolves
Much has been made of United’s summer signings. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in particular have both played their parts in helping the club bounce back from a disappointing 2024/25 season where they finished in the bottom half. But the onus was all on the latter on Tuesday night, with the Brazilian the main creative hub due to Bruno Fernandes’ injury.
Unfortunately for Amorim, Cunha couldn’t come up with the moment of magic to help his new club beat his former side. Despite making himself busy and getting about the pitch as a free-floating number 10, his final pass or shot was lacking in sufficient quality, while there were also moments where his decision-making left a little to be desired.
Sometimes guilty of holding on to the ball for too long instead of releasing it, the 26-year-old ended the game having played no key passes to teammates which led to notable chances. And that should be a source of alarm for Ruben Amorim.
Check Out Cunha’s Statistics Against Wolves:
|
Matheus Cunha vs Wolves |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes Played |
90 |
|
Goals |
0 |
|
Expected Goals |
0.12 |
|
Assists |
0 |
|
Expected Assists |
0.21 |
|
Key Passes |
0 |
|
Passing Accuracy |
26/29 (90%) |
|
Total Shots |
2 |
|
Possession Lost |
15 |
With Mason Mount and Fernandes both currently missing through injury, and with Mbeumo currently away at the African Cup of Nations, Cunha is the man that the Portuguese head coach will be relying on mainly for attacking threat and creativity. Considering that United were playing the worst team in the Premier League, that doesn’t bode well for the Red Devils.
There are opportunities for Cunha to show that this is nothing more than a blip on a decent record so far this season, as games against newly promoted Leeds United and Burnley should allow him to show what he can offer. But if he struggles in both of those games, then alarm bells really might start ringing.
Supporters Condemn Cunha’s ‘Criminal’ Performance
Although many have been reluctant to criticise Cunha as he’s been in good form throughout much of the season, some United supporters haven’t been afraid to voice their opinions. Some were left baffled by what he was trying to do against Wolves, with one writing: “I honestly have no idea what Cunha is doing in this game.”
Another added: “Cunha bro you are not him please stop I’ve had enough.” While one more was critical of the Brazilian’s decision-making, saying: “Cunha doesn’t understand when to let go of the ball.”
A fellow supporter was even harsher, saying: “Cunha has been diabolical.” And another echoed that, stating: “Cunha’s another guy that gets away with murder. £63m, got the #10 yet plays like a bum more or less every game. It’s really criminal, he’s meant to be stepping up massively with Amad, Mbeumo & Bruno being out.”
A final supporter wrote: “I’ve been unsure about Cunha all year but tonight has been pretty bad from him tbh. Relax. Keep the ball. Don’t need to be a hero every time you get the ball at your feet. Being a United fan is honestly awful.”
