Michael Owen was full of praise for Matheus Cunha following the Manchester United attacker’s goalscoring performance in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa. The Brazilian has become one of the Reds’ lead men since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim.
Cunha managed just one goal in his first 12 Premier League games for United. The jury was somewhat out on the 26-year-old following his £62.5 million arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Carrick’s appointment has led to Cunha truly arriving at Old Trafford. He’s now bagged six goals in his last 15 outings, including an excellent strike against Villa today (March 15th).
Classy Cunha helps Man Utd beat Aston Villa
Bruno Fernandes put in yet another stunning performance and assisted Cunha for the Reds’ second of the afternoon. The Portuguese playmaker put the Brazilian through on goal with an audacious through ball, and he found the bottom corner of Emiliano Martinez’s net.
Cunha hasn’t been an undisputed starter in his debut season at the Theatre of Dreams. He even started as an impact sub in Carrick’s first two games in charge.
There is no doubt he is becoming one of the first names on his coach’s teamsheet, and his exploits today explain why. Along with his goal, he made one key pass, won one of three ground duels and carried the ball a total of 254.4 metres.
United took the lead through Casemiro after the Brazilian midfielder met Fernandes’ corner. Villa equalised when Ross Barkley produced a fine finish.
Cunha came to the rescue, putting the hosts back in front before Benjamin Sesko played a super-sub role yet again. The Slovenian’s deflected effort flew into the back of Martinez’s net and secured all three points.
Owen wowed by ‘class’ Cunha
Cunha’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by former Manchester United striker Owen. He spent many of his playing days scoring goals of a similar fashion.
Owen lavished praise on the Red Devils star and his strike when speaking on the Premier League’s official website:
“He’s just all class and this is Man Utd at their best, breaking reasonably quick. Mbeumo makes a run but for Fernandes to spot that ball is quite incredible. Konsa takes that glance and loses his momentum. What a finish that is as well.”
Cunha has now bagged seven goals and three assists in 27 games across competitions. Every time he’s on the pitch, the passion he displays shows he cares about the club, and he’s playing a key role in the push for Champions League qualification.
