Matheus Cunha publicly urges struggling teammate to stay put and rule out January departure amid ongoing talks

Matheus Cunha poured praise on Joshua Zirkzee following the forward’s impactful cameo against Leeds United.Yesterday, the pair combined to register Manchester United’s only goal against arch-rivals Leeds United, stifling the hosts’ celebrations just three minutes after they broke the deadlock through Brenden Aaronson.As soon as Aaronson’s effort hit the back of Senne Lammens’ net, Ruben Amorim called upon Zirkzee to enter the fray and help turn United’s fortunes around – and that he did.Joshua Zirkzee oversees spirited showing at Elland Road(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)Even aside from his assist with his first pass of the ball, the Dutchman completed 14 passes, made five passes into the final third and created two chances with the 22 touches he had in only 27 minutes. Joshua Zirkzee’s 27 minute cameo vs. Leeds United: 22 touches 20 passes attempted 14 passes completed 5 passes into the final third 2 chances created 1 big chance created 1 assist Made a big impact. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/I1Eb4UPzup — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 4, 2026Zirkzee could’ve also had another assist added to his tally after he put it on a plate for Benjamin Sesko with a cut-back cross straight to the striker’s feet, but Sesko saw his first-time effort trail wide of the post.Before kick-off, the 24-year-old would’ve felt aggrieved at being dropped from the starting XI, given he netted United’s only goal of their 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the match prior.When United hosted the relegation-threatened Black Country outfit, he opened the scoring in the 27th minute before being bizarrely substituted for youngster Jack Fletcher at the interval, prompting Gary Neville to question whether Zirkzee had sustained a first-half injury.However, Amorim later confirmed it was indeed a tactical change, making it no surprise Zirkzee has continued pushing for a mid-season move away in hopes of playing a more prominent role elsewhere.What did Cunha have to say about Zirkzee?(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Cunha is hoping such a situation doesn’t materialise, though. When speaking to BBC Sport on Sunday afternoon, he said of his attacking counterpart: “Talking about Josh, he’s a pleasure. I feel like he has a lot of quality.“Of course, his situation is not easy, but he has everything to change the situation. We need him. He needs to understand this, and then (that) everyone count[s] on him. We are here to push him.“I think after the goal last week, [and] the assist today, it gives him more confidence to be more with us and then understand more his role in the team.” Matheus Cunha says Joshua Zirkzee is a “pleasure” and that Manchester United “need” him 🤝 pic.twitter.com/VE8bQ9sNfr — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 4, 2026Footage courtesy of BBC Sport.