Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven both believe that Matheus Cunha has shown one all-important quality at Old Trafford since his summer move to Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim has been able to try out Matheus Cunha over the course of the summer during Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States and Europe.
The 40-year-old United manager wasted no time on the weekend to hand former Wolves ace Cunha his Premier League debut for the Red Devils in the new season.
Cunha started in the left-sided No 10 role of Ruben Amorim’s tactical system for United in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Joined by Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount in attack at the start of the match, Cunha caught the eye of United fans with his strong showing against the Gunners.
What Man Utd defender Matthijs de Ligt spotlighted about Matheus Cunha speaks volumes for Red Devils supporters
Matheus Cunha was a standout performer at Old Trafford in Manchester United’s Premier League contest against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season.
The 26-year-old Brazil international is tipped to play a key role for manager Ruben Amorim in the 2025-26 campaign after a strong showing for Wolves last season.
Speaking as part of United’s ‘First Impressions’ series, Red Devils defender Matthijs de Ligt offered his eye-opening perspective on what he has noticed from Cunha.
The 26-year-old Dutchman spotlighted a key part of Cunha’s integration at United off the pitch and the former Wolves ace’s welcoming presence to his teammates.
“I think he made a good impression, he has fit in really well to the group, he is nice to talk to, he is really open, so outside the pitch he is a really good guy, really energetic, a lot of fun and that’s the most important thing I think,” De Ligt said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“On the pitch he’s doing really well. He understands how the manager wants to play.
“Obviously, he played the system already with Wolves and he has some experience with it. I think he can help us more and more.”
Man Utd centre-back Ayden Heaven shares a similar point to Matthijs de Ligt about former Wolves star Matheus Cunha
United splashed out early to sign Cunha in the summer transfer window after the Red Devils triggered the Brazil forward’s £62.5m release clause at Wolves.
Amorim is a big admirer of the former RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid attacker, who netted 17 times and registered six assists in 36 matches for Wolves last season.
Ayden Heaven, much like De Ligt, highlighted the importance of Cunha’s character off the pitch and added that he is “quite lively” in the United dressing room.
“We knew he was a great player because we’ve played against him,” he said.
“When we trained with him, he showed his qualities with us and he’s just given us all confidence to play.
“He is going to help the team and help us to improve. He’s quite lively in the changing room, so he’s fitted in well.
“You always need that in the changing room and he plays a big role.”
Amorim will be hopeful of United bouncing back from the Arsenal loss when they travel to Craven Cottage to play against Premier League side Fulham on Sunday.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
