“Maverick”: Tom Heaton passes judgement on new team-mate, claims he has changed the dressing room atmosphere

Matheus Cunha did not enjoy the brightest start to his Manchester United career. Many had expected him to pick up where he left off last season, yet that spark was missing. Cunha initially struggled to hit his mark Coming off a campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers in which he racked up 15 goals and six assists in 33 games, it was disappointing that it took eight matches in United colours before Cunha registered his first goal contribution. Scoring in that 4-2 win over Brighton Hove Albion. Admittedly, there were flashes of brilliance. His ability on the ball helped United retain possession and absorb pressure in tight contests. However, quality performances or not, he was ultimately signed to change United’s fortunes in front of goal, and that responsibility weighed heavily in those opening weeks. Light at the end of the tunnel Now, though, it seems Cunha is finally finding his scoring touch at Old Trafford. The Brazilian has produced three goal contributions in United’s last three league fixtures, scoring twice and assisting once. The hope, of course, is that he sustains this run, particularly with his attacking partner Bryan Mbeumo away at AFCON. Heaton backs unplayable Cunha Listening to United goalkeeper Tom Heaton speak, on the Inside Carrington podcast, about the kind of player the club landed in Cunha should give fans further encouragement. Heaton has been full of praise as he was reflecting on what the Samba star, along with United’s other summer recruits, has brought to the dressing room: “Yeah, they’ve been excellent, actually. “You know, [they] all bring something different. I think, you know, obviously Matheus, [a] fantastic footballer, [a] little bit of a maverick, the way he plays. “He’s difficult to play against, but he’s also brought, you know, real, real good energy into the dressing room, to be honest. He’s been superb.” Cunha and Mbeumo have, by most measures, been value‑for‑money signings. Tapping into their Premier League experience and individual brilliance, the duo have elevated United’s attack in ways last season’s frontline struggled to manage. The Red Devils are now scoring far more easily, and one would imagine they will continue to improve if Cunha continues to live up to his potential. And judging by Heaton’s glowing admission, there is every reason to believe he will. Featured image Alex Pantling 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.