“That’s why you buy him”: Rio Ferdinand blown away by “brilliant” United star after his heroics in Leeds draw

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed Matheus Cunha for his heroics, which helped the club salvage a point against Leeds United on Sunday afternoon. Cunha impresses vs. Leeds Cunha thought he had given United the lead early on when he volleyed home but the goal was ruled out due to an offside in the build-up. United had chances to score in the first half, with the likes of Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu all having sights of goal. However, the defensive trio couldn’t hit the target. The Red Devils were made to pay shortly after the hour mark when Brenden Aaronson burst in behind their defence to slot the ball into the back of the net, well past the reach of Senne Lammens. However, United didn’t stay behind for too long. Some fantastic play between Benjamin Sesko and Dalot allowed substitute Joshua Zirkzee to slip Cunha in. The Brazilian produced a neat finish to make it 1-1 at Elland Road. There was a frantic finale as both sides pushed for a winner but the spoils were eventually shared. It was another top performance from Cunha, who has now scored or assisted in four of his last six appearances for United. Matheus Cunha has scored or assisted in four of his last six appearances for Manchester United. Stepping up at the ideal time. 👏 pic.twitter.com/hW2dnxxsPj — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 4, 2026 Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand was complimentary of the 26-year-old and how he has stepped up in the absence of several key players. Ferdinand raves about Cunha The six-time Premier League winner said, “Cunha, he’s the one guy I look at and see something in the game always and go ‘that’s why you buy him.’” “He holds people off at times, he gets you up the pitch with his ability to hold up the ball three or four seconds. Takes the sting out of it at times.” “His run for the goal was brilliant and that’s why I love about the goal. From the back with Dalot playing through the lines, Sesko sets the ball, Cunha’s on his way and the through ball from Zirkzee.” Ferdinand added, “That’s old school football. That was up, back, through. Old school and that won’t ever change. That’s a pattern that should be repeated in training all day long.” Cunha and his teammates are next in action on Wednesday when they go away to Turf Moor to face another newly-promoted team in 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!