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Monday 18 August 2025 12:34
There has been a positive reception following the debut performances of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the narrow defeat to Arsenal.
The summer arrivals started and played the full 90 minutes against the Gunners and were probably United’s biggest threats throughout the afternoon.
Cunha registered five shots during the match, forcing David Raya into a fingertip save during the first half, as he regularly drove through the visitors’ rearguard.
Mbeumo was also a handful throughout, causing goalscorer Riccardo Calafiori plenty of problems and coaxing another fine save out of Raya as the clock ticked down, with one of his four attempts.
The two debutants clearly caught the eye of supporters, as they received a cumulative 71 per cent of the votes cast in our post-match ‘star-performer’ poll, posted in the United App.
Cunha, with 41 per cent, edged out Mbeumo, who received 30 per cent, but, in truth, there was little to separate the duo, who also impressed MUTV’s pundits.
Co-commentator Ben Thornley said he was glad that Cunha is now a member of our team, rather than an opposition player.
“Two seasons ago, he came here [with Wolves] and ran through us, like a knife through butter,” he said.
“Now we’ve got him in our team and we’re seeing the effects of what he can do. Running with the ball, he’s one of the best there is and I’m sure the fitter he his in terms of game-playing, the better he will become.”
Mbeumo was a big hit with his never-say-die attitude.
“He’s a willing runner. He likes the ball in behind, he likes a foot race,” said ex-Red Phil Bardsley. “It doesn’t matter who he’s up against, he fancies his chances.”
Mikael Silvestre, who represented both United and Arsenal in his playing days, added: “He’s one of those characters. He didn’t have it easy to get to this level, coming from Troyes in France – a small club – and getting to Brentford, who were in the Championship at the time.
“He has been growing and growing as a player and has become one of the main players in the Premier League. It was a very cool start for him, [he was] ready to battle, to make a difference. Very strong, and ready to really sweat for the badge.”
Benjamin Sesko also made a physical impact off the bench, although the ball wouldn’t quite fall for him in the box.
How Cunha caught the eye Video
How Cunha caught the eye
PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS | Matheus Cunha put in an all-action performance against Arsenal…
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Monday 18 August 2025 12:34
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