Matheus Cunha is a relieved figure after ending his Manchester United goal duck
Manchester United’s forward line carries big expectations every week when it steps onto the pitch. Fans have waited eagerly to see new signing Matheus Cunha find his best rhythm. The Brazilian finally delivered against Brighton & Hove Albion and scored his first goal in the club’s 4–2 win.
The moment brought visible relief to him and everyone who followed his early struggles. In a post-match interview after the Brighton game, the Brazilian admitted that the wait weighed heavily on his mind. He said scoring meant more than numbers. It lifted the pressure that had followed him since his debut.
The 26-year-old spoke about wanting to contribute more in attack. As a forward, he said scoring goals always mattered. Still, the former Wolves forward made it clear that he put the team’s victory first. His joy filled the dressing room, and his teammates joked that he had finally scored.
That sense of shared happiness showed the strong bond within the squad. It reflected how the team started believing in itself again after a tough spell. We reported earlier that club legend David May backed Cunha to perform well for United after his signing. This goal could spark the form that proves him right. Stephen Warnock even compared him to Manchester United icon Eric Cantona, noting the charisma and influence that Cunha could bring.
“Yeah, finally. Wow. I worked so hard for this. The win for starters, to come in and I’m so happy. But of course I want a little bit more contribution and then today’s coming, but we win and then everything’s fine.”
“Of course. We have little actions, but when you play in the front, you have to score goals. I have to have more contributions. But the last time I said this, if my participation is to help the team and then we start doing well, I’ll be happy also.”
“But of course with this goal, everyone will be around me to push me. The guys started to joke and then said, ‘wow, you can score!’ These things happen and everyone pushes me and I feel so happy to be here.”
Why could this goal change everything?
This first goal will likely lift Cunha’s confidence in the coming weeks. Scoring ended the mental block that often holds attackers back. Freed from that weight, the Brazilian will play with more belief. He will take more chances in front of the goal. The 26-year-old’s growing confidence will help him finish more cleanly and move with greater purpose. That improvement will strengthen his place in the starting eleven and confirm his manager’s trust.
In Ruben Amorim’s system, Cunha will thrive as a second striker. He will continue to move into half-spaces and stretch defences. The Brazilian’s quick movement, sharpness in passing, and close control will open gaps for teammates.
These qualities will help him break organised lines. As he settles, his dribbling and flair will make him crucial to Manchester United’s attack. The 26-year-old will often trouble teams that defend deep. With this momentum and fresh energy, Cunha’s story at Old Trafford will finally start to unfold the way everyone hoped.