“People always want to criticise”: Bryan Robson swings into passionate defence of United star enduring “slow start” to season

Legendary Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has revealed what he truly thinks about summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Cunha and Mbeumo thriving at United Signed during the transfer window, Cunha and Mbeumo have wasted no time in making an impact at United. The pair enjoyed excellent campaigns in 2024/25, prompting United to fork out large sums to land them. There was plenty of interest in the pair but they both made it clear that they were only keen on moving to Old Trafford. Cunha opened his goalscoring account for United during last month’s 4-2 win over Brighton, while Mbeumo is currently United’s leading scorer with an impressive five goals across all competitions. Mbeumo has won United’s Player of the Month awards twice, including as recently as October. The Cameroonian and Cunha are undoubtedly one of the first names on the teamsheet and now, Robson has shared his verdict on the two stars. Robson delivers assessment of Cunha and Mbeumo Robson said [as quoted by The Mirror], “I was a manager myself and I always felt that as a manager, you need three years to actually get a settled team for what you want to achieve. It is only very early for him and we have made some really good signings. I can see us developing that little bit better and the club have got to give him that time.” “The fans have been really patient with him and it is just the players playing the best football they can, and supporting the manager.” “Mbeumo and Cunha are both quality players. I just feel they will get better and better as the season goes on and they get used to the quality that the other lads have got.” Robson also launched a passionate defence of Bruno Fernandes, insisting that the skipper will eventually hit top form as the season progresses. “When you’re playing well, everybody is happy and nobody mentions anything. If you get off to a slow start, which Bruno has this season, people always want to criticise.” “Bruno is a quality player and he is brilliant around the club. He is very humble and he greets everyone and has good camaraderie with people. People say he doesn’t crunch into tackles but not all players can do that. Some players are tacklers and some players are playmakers, which Bruno is.” On United’s season, the 68-year-old remarked, “We’re going OK – a bit of an improvement from last year. But I’d still like to see us get a bit more solid and not concede so many goals if we want to get up there.” Robson opined that United have the players and ability to fight for a Champions League finish, especially considering they have a lot more time on the training ground. Feature image Matt McNulty 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!