Manchester United fans were surprised to see Matheus Cunha left out of the squad to face Bournemouth in pre-season.
Following his £62.5m arrival this summer, Matheus Cunha has impressed in pre-season and his first two performances for Manchester United have shown huge signs of promise.
However, Cunha was left out against Bournemouth, with Ruben Amorim explaining that the Brazilian was struggling with fatigue.
Cunha joined new United signing Bryan Mbeumo on the bench, and they were treated to an emphatic performance by their new teammates.
United beat Bournemouth 4-1 and were completely dominant in Chicago. Ruben Amorim liked what he saw from his side, and he will be particularly impressed by Mason Mount.
Mason Mount steps up vs Bournemouth in Matheus Cunha’s absence
With Cunha left out of the squad, Amorim’s starting lineup included Mount in the left-sided No.10 position.
Mount is under huge pressure to perform heading into the new season given his underwhelming start to life as a United player.
But the 26-year-old enjoyed a strong end to the 2024/25 campaign, and if he can steer clear of injuries he will hope to finally kick on in 2025/26.
On multiple occasions, Mount linked up brilliantly with captain Bruno Fernandes against Bournemouth, including some neat flicks and tricks on the edge of the box.
The duo almost combined from a well-worked free-kick in the second half, but Mount’s effort flew just wide of the post.
The arrival of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will present a big challenge for Mount to get into the starting lineup, but the England international is clearly ready to give Amorim some selection headaches.
66th minute Mason Mount moment will please Ruben Amorim
Amorim hailed Mount as “very intelligent” last season and repeatedly praised his character and attitude off the pitch.
Before kick-off, Amorim demanded intensity from his players and that is one of Mount’s biggest strengths.
He ran relentlessly against Bournemouth and his pressing was ruthless. The Cherries couldn’t match United’s energy, and he made sure to keep his levels high until he was taken off in the 70th minute.
READ MORE: Five things learned as Manchester United beat Bournemouth 4-1 in pre-season clash
Just four minutes before leaving the pitch, Mount made two lung-busting runs to press Bournemouth in their own third, winning a corner as a result. Mount then delivered a corner which was nearly headed in by Matthijs de Ligt.
Cunha and Mbeumo will expect to start the season as the two No.10s, but Mount will make sure to push both new signings for their starting spot.
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