Ruben Amorim outlines why Matheus Cunha is what Manchester United 'need' after impressive debut against Leeds United in Stockholm
Updated 19/07/2025 at 19:51 GMT+1
Ruben Amorim was encouraged by Matheus Cunha's first appearance in a Manchester United shirt, as The Red Devils drew 0-0 with Leeds United in Stockholm. The United boss was pleased with the Brazilian's combative performance against the newly promoted Premier League side in the Swedish capital. United open their campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17.
'I've never been sacked' - Frank jokes Spurs job a 'risk' but hails 'good vibe' so far
Video credit: SNTV
Ruben Amorim praised the performance of Matheus Cunha on his Manchester United debut in the goalless draw with Leeds United in Stockholm.
The £62.5 million signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers featured for the opening 45 minutes, alongside fellow debutant Diego Leon, following the Paraguayan's arrival from Cerro Porteno.
United will now head off to the US to take part in the Premier League Summer Series for matches against West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton.
Cunha impressed Amorim who believes the Brazilian can provide an important link between the midfield and striking positions.
Reflecting on the match as a whole, he told MUTV: "We suffered a little bit when we tried to press high. They kicked the ball with the second ball, they were dangerous in that moment.
"We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park, and you can feel that's hard to bring the ball. But we create chances. I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need, that he's the player. When he receives the ball between the lines, he can be really aggressive in the direction of the opponent.
"We have a lot to do, but it was the first test against a Premier League team with two different teams, so it was a big test."
The United boss believes the 26-year-old will complement his current options well, and is excited to see how Cunha will fare in the same side as Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
He continued: "We watched [Cunha] during last season in a different team, so we expect the same thing. You can see the connection between him and Bruno [Fernandes] is still not there, but it's going to be a good connection because you can put a player like Kobbie [Mainoo] there and Mason Mount there. We have to increase our quality in the final third."
- Howe sends Isak home due to ongoing ‘speculation’ – ‘It was my decision’
- Arsenal complete signing of England international Madueke from rivals Chelsea
Amorim also spoke about Leon’s first appearance in a United shirt and highlighted the importance of taking a patient approach in nurturing the 18-year-old’s talent.
"We have to understand that the kid [Leon] came from Paraguay and it's his second week in Manchester United," Amorim explained.
"He did really well, he's learning things, he's powerful. He's going to be a very good player."
Stream the Premier League, Men's and Women's FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement