Manchester United suffered an opening day defeat to Arsenal. However, there were a lot of positives to take from the hosts’ performance.
United’s attack, featuring Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, gave the Arsenal backline a real fright at Old Trafford.
Cunha, in particular, delivered a fearless performance. He consistently took on Arsenal players in his attempts to create goalscoring opportunities out of nowhere. The Brazilian also drew a solid save from David Raya.
United’s new number 10 underlined exactly what Ruben Amorim’s side lacked last season. Interestingly, there is a belief at Old Trafford that Amorim already has one player with similar traits at his disposal.
Man United think they have next Matheus Cunha
According to journalist Sam C, a relatively reliable source when it comes to United news, some high-ups at the club think Joshua Zirkzee has the “ceiling of new signing Matheus Cunha.”
Joshua Zirkzee has no plans to leave Manchester United before the deadline.
United have no desire to let Zirkzee leave either. It’s understood that some high up think Zirkzee has the ceiling of new signing Matheus Cunha.
Rasmus Hojlund could leave before the deadline.… pic.twitter.com/O0qaxnbqkQ
— Sam C (@SamC_reports) August 20, 2025
The Red Devils signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna last summer. The Netherlands international was viewed as one of the most well-rounded forwards available in the market on the back of a promising season under Thiago Motta.
The Dutchman had a difficult start to life in Manchester under Erik ten Hag. However, he showed signs of promise as a wide playmaker under Amorim in the second half of last season.
The 24-year-old, who likes to drop deep or wide to create for team-mates, describes himself as a “9.5”.
Man United don’t want to lose Zirkzee
Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Napoli are interested in Zirkzee.
However, Sam C suggests the forward has no plans to leave United before the deadline.
The Mancunians are also happy to keep him despite the arrivals of Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Meanwhile, United are open to letting Rasmus Hojlund depart. The Denmark international was also signed from Serie A, and a number of clubs in Italy are prepared to sign him.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
