3 shots, 1 disallowed goal, 1 goal: United star dragged club from the brink to snatch valuable point vs. Leeds

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha got on the score sheet to secure his side a point in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. United and Leeds share the spoils Cunha impressed as a depleted United recovered from a goal deficit against Leeds to ensure the points were shared. Ruben Amorim made just one change to the starting XI, thrusting Leny Yoro into the team in place of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman was dropped to the bench. Cunha thought he had given United the lead early on with a sensational volley but the goal was ruled out due to an offside in the build-up. United continued to push and, with chances falling to the likes of Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu. However, the visitors just couldn’t quite find the back of the net. Leeds’ best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who beat Yoro to a cross and narrowly headed wide. The match sparked into life in the 62nd minute when Brenden Aaronson left Ayden Heaven in his wake to fire past Senne Lammens. The Yorkshire club’s advantage didn’t last too long as Cunha drew United level less than three minutes later. The Brazilian was slipped in by Zirkzee and produced a top finish. The match ended in a frantic finale, with both sides throwing everything forward in search of a late winner but the contest ultimately finished level at 1-1. Cunha’s performance In a defensively-minded side, Cunha carried the attacking burden for United, and he handled the responsibility well. Cunha aimed three total shots, one of which was the equaliser. He came close to adding a second and winning the goal for United but he was denied by the woodwork. The former Wolves man found his teammates with 30 of the 43 passes he attempted (70% pass accuracy). One of his passes was a key pass. He also connected with two of the five long balls he pinged. Cunha touched the ball 78 times. He embarked on six dribbles, completing three of them. The 26-year-old contributed defensively, making two interceptions and as many clearances. Cunha also contributed four recoveries. He delved into 11 ground duels and came out on top four times. He also won two of the four aerial duels he vied for. StatValue Goals1 Total Shots3 Hit Woodwork1 Key Passes1 Crosses (Accurate)2 (0) Accurate Passes30/43 (70%) Long Balls (Accurate)2/5 (40%) Touches78 Dribbles (Successful)6 (3) Interceptions2 Clearances2 Recoveries4 Ground Duels (Won)11 (4) Aerial Duels (Won)4 (2) (Stats obtained from Sofascore) United are next in action on Wednesday when they go away to Burnley. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!