It’s been coming. And when it did, it was pure class. Matheus Cunha finally netted his first goal for Manchester United in the 4-2 win over Brighton and you could see exactly what it meant to him.
This wasn’t just another goal. This was a moment of emotion, of validation, and of dreams materialising in front of the Stretford End.
Ever since arriving at M16, Cunha has brought the flair, the intensity and the graft. The only thing missing? That first goal. And on Saturday, the Brazilian delivered.
Matheus Cunha scores his first goal for Manchester United
With United on the front foot, Cunha picked up the ball just outside the area, shifted his weight, and curled a superb effort into the far corner. Verbruggen could only watch. Old Trafford erupted.
But it was what followed that truly spoke volumes.
Cunha ran straight to the fans, dropped to his knees, slid across the turf, and kissed the United badge multiple times. He pointed to the crowd, tapped the crest again, and blew kisses. This wasn’t a celebration rehearsed for show. It was instinctive. Genuine. Raw.
“I am one of them,” Cunha said post-match via Fabrizio Romano. “This is the club I grew up watching. To help them, it’s a dream come true.”
It’s rare you see players connect so quickly, so completely. But Cunha? He’s already in.
This was a performance of a United forward
Beyond the goal, his overall display was everything Amorim demands from a forward in this system. Direct runs, clever link‑up play with Sesko and Mbeumo, pressing from the front, and always available between the lines.
Rio Ferdinand said after Anfield that Cunha would become “unplayable” on Saturday, he looked it.
This wasn’t just a goal to tick off the stat sheet. It was a release. A statement. Now the pressure is off, the shackles can come off too.
“I joked with Bryan and Sesko,” Cunha said post‑match. “I told them I needed this feeling. I felt anxious, and when I scored, they said, ‘Now you can enjoy it.’”
The energy in this front three is starting to cook. Sesko, Mbeumo, and now Cunha all have goals. All three look like they belong in Amorim’s fluid, high‑pressing system. And most importantly, they look like they enjoy playing together.
Author Opinion
You can’t fake badge‑tapping celebrations. And with the way Cunha embraced the fans, the shirt, and the moment, he’s already making himself a favourite at Old Trafford.
The smile said it all. This is just the beginning. But the first chapter of Matheus Cunha at Manchester United has been written and it’s a good one.
