• Thu, Aug 2025

CUNHA AND MBEUMO: INDEPTH ANALYSIS TO WHAT FANS SHOULD EXPECT FROM THE NEW DYNAMIC DUO

CUNHA AND MBEUMO: INDEPTH ANALYSIS TO WHAT FANS SHOULD EXPECT FROM THE NEW DYNAMIC DUO

Discover how Cunha and Mbeumo could ignite Man Utd's attack! Dive into their tactical fit, defensive work rate, and potent goal contributions under Amorim. What can Man Utd fans expect from Cunha & Mbeumo? Get a deep analysis of their dynamic play, goal threat, and how they'll transform Old Trafford's attack.

CUNHA AND MBEUMO: DEEP ANALYSIS TO WHAT FANS SHOULD EXPECT FROM THE NEW DYNAMIC DUO

Fans should expect a more dynamic, direct, and goal- threatening attack with Mbeumo and Cunha in the squad ready to ignite Old Trafford. Their versatility and work rate align well with Amorim’s tactical approach and could have the potential to significantly improve United’s fortunes in the final third.

 

1.TACTICAL IMPACT

Formation and Playing style

Cunha is a versatile forward who can play on the wings as an inside forward, predominantly as a left sided attacking midfielder and as a center forward due to his ability to drop deep and link play. His strengths are best utilized when operating in a more creative role, receiving the ball in between the lines and linking up with team mates.

United’s coach Amorim is known to favour back 3 system and Cunha has thrived in 3-4-2-1 formation predominantly as a left inside forward hence the system won’t be new to him.

His presence will allow for more fluid attacking transitions with his strong link up play, ability to drop deep and create chances for his team mates and also ability to knack in goals particularly from outside the box will be a great asset for United.

Mbeumo is known for his dazzling pace and directness, strong attribute that could make him a great asset on the wings. His preferred position is as a right-sided inverted winger where he can cut inside onto his dominant left and either shoot or create chances. He also can play as a second striker or as center forward. His pace and directness could enhance United’s counter attacking capabilities and much needed urgency and intensity in attack.

PRESSING AND DEFENSIVE CONTRIBUTION

Cunha has shown good work rate off the ball, which aligns well with United’s high-pressing system and intensity. Cunha’s 2024-2025 season defensive statistics 

AppsMins PlayedTacklesInterceptionsPossession wonBlocksClearancesGround duelsAerial duels
3326003817125119352(won 170)48.3%42 (won13) 31.0%

Source:opta

 

Mbeumo’s ability to track back could also be valuable in maintaining a solid defensive structure. Below is Mbeumo’s 2024-2025 season defensive statistics

AppsMins PlayedTacklesInterceptionsPossession wonBlocksClearancesGround duelsAerial duels
3834154914156351276(won144)52.2%110 (won35) 31.8%

Source:opta

 

2.SQUAD DEPTH AND ROTATION 

COMPETITON FOR PLACES

Cunha would likely compete with forwards like Mason Mount and Garnacho for an inside left forward starting spot. With a quality player like Cunha this will provide a tough competition that would potentially elevate performance of entire forward line.

Mbeumo could challenge the likes of Amad Diallo and Mount for the position of inside right forward. Fernandes is likely to keep his place.

INJURY COVER 

Signing of both Cunha and Mbeumo improves Manchester United depth with real quality. This enables proper squad rotation and also provide fresh legs during busy season. Both could also serve as valuable cover for injury especially given Uniteds recent history with player fitness issues and players with recurring injuries issues notably Mason Mount, Hojlund and Zirkzee.

 

3.PERFORMANCE AND GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS 

Both players had impressive goalscoring season in the premier league. Matheus Cunha stats in Premier League last season included 15 goals and 6 assists while Mbeumo scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists. Their combined goal involvements last season was an impressive total of 48, this output would significantly boost united’s attacking prowess addressing a major weakness from last season.

 AppsMins PlayedGoalsAssistsXG ShotsSot%Shot conversionXG per shot
CUNHA3326001568.631104413.640.08
MBEUMO38341720712.26854123.530.14

 

 Passes into Final 3rdCrossesThrough balls
CUNHA432(Successful 301) 69.7%59 (successful 10) 16.9%14

 

Source:opta

 

4.TEAM CHEMISTRY AND MORALE

Both Cunha and Mbeumo are bringing valuable leadership and personality traits to Manchester United.Cunha was described as a “Main Man” at his former club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“He is a special player; he is capable of deciding a match in seconds. “Wolves coach, Vitor Pereira when asked about Cunha.

He brings flair,pace and fearless drive to draw fouls indicating he takes responsibility in high-pressure situations, a hallmark of leadership.

His partnership with Rayan Ait-Nouri highlighting his ability to foster strong on-field relationships, a key leadership trait.

Mbeumo was also described as ‘Main Man’ at his former club Brentford. Chipping in with 20 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances in 2024-2025 season highlights his critical role in Brentfords attack and also shows his leadership through taking responsibility for key moments.

His potential to thrive under Amorim’s system as a versatile forward indicates his willingness to take varied roles for the benefit of the team.

Mbeumo’s work ethics (pressing defenders and contributing defensively) inspires team mates and ups the spirit and morale of the whole team. He formed a strong partnership with Yoane Wissa for Brentfordin 2024-2025 season, scoring a combined 38 goals, with 16 assists. They have scored in the same game seven times, the most of any forward duo in the league. Their goals have often been crucial, with Mbeumo scoring 13 goals that were either equalizers or gave Brentford the lead. 

This suggests Mbeumo has a personality that thrive in a collaborative setting.

 

ADAPTABILITY TO PREMIER LEAGUE BONUS

Both have proven adaptability todemands of the premier league,United are invsting in players  who have already passed the Premier League ‘test’ .there is no lengthy acclimatization period required for them to understand the tempo,intensity speed or physical demands .this will be crucial factor to help Amorim turn around United’s fortunesin the fastest time possible.

 

EDITORS TAKE

Combination of Mbeumo’s cutting runs from right and Cunha’s ability to drive through the middle or from the left should offer diverse quality attacking options. Their workrate and pressing intensity will be vital for Amorim’s system ,allowing United to win the ball high up the pitch and launch quick attacks.

Both players are also capable of scoring and assisting, this will enable them share the creative and goalscoring burden making United’s attack way less predictable.

I am convinced Manchester United fans have every reason to be optimistic about the potential partnership of Mbeumo and Cunha under Ruben Amorim.

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