Troy Deeney has singled out one of Manchester United’s new signings with a plethora of praise following Rúben Amorim’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.
Manchester United recorded a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s side securing a huge three points at Anfield.
United started perfectly, taking the lead inside two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo fired in from a tight angle after a clever assist from Amad. Bruno Fernandes soon had a great opportunity to make it two but couldn’t find the finish, as Amorim’s men went into half-time a goal up.
Liverpool came out strong after the interval, with Cody Gakpo striking the post as the hosts pushed for a response. Around the hour mark, Amorim introduced Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Šeško to inject fresh energy.
Gakpo eventually levelled the score with just over ten minutes remaining, but United hit back almost instantly as Harry Maguire rose to head home and restore the lead.
Despite a late surge from Arne Slot’s side, United’s defence stood firm to seal their first Anfield triumph since January 2016.
Deeney full of praise for Cunha vs Liverpool
While Matheus Cunha is yet to register a goal or assist since joining United in the summer, there has been no shortage of praise for his brilliant display against Liveprool. The Brazilian worked tirelessly on and off the ball, and was crucial for Amorim when stopping Liverpool from finding an equaliser.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney broke down Cunha’s influence in the final 15 minutes of the fixture through a series of short clips, revealing how the 26-year-old was “really smart” in his game management.
“I’ve been really impressed from the moment that he signed,” Deeney said. “Even from his Instagram posts, he seems like someone who wants all of the pressure.
“We were saying after about 60 minutes — the guys yesterday were talking about the Brazilian lads travelling and looking really tired for Newcastle — everything we’re showing is from the 83rd minute onwards. It was really smart play.”
While watching a clip of Cunha fighting off four Liverpool players successfully in United’s defensive third, he continued: “Look, he gets a little bit lucky here, but he just keeps going, looks after the ball, puts his body in the way, nicks fouls — game management, understanding what to do.
“And these parts here are the bits for me. Again, not making it about people that aren’t there, but people that were once there before would never have been doing this for Manchester United. Being really smart here — look, gives it, keeps the ball moving, not admiring his work, going again.
“And just these positions that he’s picking up here, it’s fantastic. If he doesn’t go in here, Liverpool keep the play going. Being brave to go and head it, get it out of there. But this is the one I like — this is right at the end of the game.”
Right at the end, Cunha won a foul on the edge of United’s box to force a turnover of possession just before the referee blew the final whistle. “Look, if he’s not there, that goes to Liverpool. Smart enough now, wins a foul, and then just gets an extra few seconds when the cramp kicks in very, very late.”
Cunha and Mbeumo are complete upgrades
United’s summer transfer business saw the Reds bring in Cunha, Mbeumo, and Šeško for an initial combined fee of just over £180 million, completely revolutionising their attacking line.
However, so far this season, there have been plenty of critics who have suggested United missed a trick by not signing a new defenisve midfielder, and that the three new forward signigns may not have been neceessary.
However, when asked just how much of a contrast Mbeumo and Cunha provide to their predicesors Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, Deeney was quick to admit that they are a whole world apart.
“Oh, absolutely,” the 37-year-old said. “But also compared to the past, yes — it just raises the level as well. It says to everybody else: ‘yes, we bought these people in for big money, and yes, they expect to start, but if you’re not delivering the basics, [then you won’t play]’.”
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