With Mbeumo and Cunha, MU plays in a completely different way

27/10/2025 08:44:00 PANDATV

The dramatic 4-2 win over Brighton, powered by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha’s performances, is exactly what coach Ruben Amorim wants to highlight about this season’s squad, featuring players "aligned with his style."

1. These players are fast and strong at both ends of the field, ideal for executing a pressing style and aggressive attack. Mbeumo’s goal, assisted by Sesko, represents the new attacking framework Amorim is building that emphasizes speed, movement, and connection above all else.

Early or diagonal passes targeting Mbeumo and Cunha, or balls played behind the opponent’s defense, have become hallmark features of Manchester United’s current play.

Last season, the "Red Devils" managed only 44 goals in the Premier League, the lowest ever in the Premier League era. They need players who can make the most of chances. Mbeumo can even score from half-chances.

Mbeumo scored 15 goals (excluding penalties) in last season’s Premier League, ranking sixth in the league with a non-penalty expected goals (xG) of 7.5, significantly higher than any other player. The second on this list is Matheus Cunha with 6.4.

Mbeumo’s creativity is also a significant asset. On average each season, the 26-year-old star delivers 7 assists, with an expected assists (xA) even higher at 9.3, and he ranks fourth in big chances created (17).

2. Mbeumo and Cunha are excellent Premier League players both in scoring and creativity but are also highly praised for their defensive work rate, especially the Brazilian forward. Manchester United often lack intensity in pressing, which Amorim’s system demands heavily from forwards, but this is compensated by the presence of the number 10.

Cunha and Mbeumo are proving their value amid Manchester United’s transformation

He is one of the most active defenders, averaging nearly 2 tackles and interceptions per game. In the first half against Brighton alone, the 26-year-old striker made 2 successful defensive actions inside the penalty area.

The number 10 has the endurance and persistence to close down defenders, disrupt passes, and force turnovers, rarely giving up on any defensive effort across the pitch.

Although not the strongest in physical duels, he compensates by using his intelligence, shielding the ball well, and applying effective pressure.

His high work rate allows the "Red Devils" to press higher and regain possession quickly, a key feature in Amorim’s tactics. In Amorim’s system, quick transitions and flexible attacking movement are critical, so Cunha’s ability to carry the ball forward is indispensable. His agility makes him unpredictable, enabling him to break down deep defensive lines and create space for teammates.

Manchester United have lessened their dependence on inconsistent players like Bruno Fernandes thanks to Cunha, who can drop deep, receive the ball, evade pressing, and build attacks. His coordination with full-backs, midfielders, and central forwards has transformed MU’s offense.

3. The first Premier League-winning team under Sir Alex Ferguson was mainly composed of local players and those with extensive experience in England’s top division, such as Eric Cantona, Denis Irwin, and Paul Ince.

This means a winning team must be developed over many years, aligned with the Scottish manager’s football philosophy and experienced in English football. The current squad under Ruben Amorim is far from achieving that level.

However, the impact made by the duo Mbeumo and Cunha at Old Trafford is exactly as experts predicted from the start of the season. Their tactical compatibility is very important for both Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.

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