It took just 45 minutes for new signing Matheus Cunha to make a major impression on Manchester United supporters — but not necessarily in the way he would have hoped.
During his unofficial debut in a pre-season friendly, the Brazilian forward was under the spotlight from the very first touch. Expectations were sky-high following his high-profile move to Old Trafford, and the fanbase was eager to see what he could bring to the squad.
However, it didn’t take long for frustration to ripple across social media platforms. Within minutes of the first half, Manchester United fans began flooding timelines with reactions — and the verdict was surprisingly unified.
Fans Left Underwhelmed
Across Twitter, Facebook, and forums like Reddit, the overwhelming sentiment among the fanbase was that Cunha looked off the pace, disconnected from the team’s attacking rhythm, and lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Comments such as:
“Doesn’t look like a United-level player at all…”
“What exactly does Cunha bring that we don’t already have?”
“I hope this is just rust because I’m worried already.”
…began circulating in real-time, as fans grew increasingly uneasy watching the Brazilian struggle to assert himself.
Questions Already Emerging
While it’s far too early to pass judgment definitively, some supporters are already questioning the logic behind the transfer. With Manchester United still facing financial constraints and key areas of the squad still lacking depth, many fans wonder if the funds could have been better spent elsewhere — particularly when it comes to midfield reinforcements or a proven goal-scorer.
Others have pointed out that Cunha, while talented and hardworking, hasn’t exactly lit up the stats sheet in recent seasons. His versatility is seen as an asset, but there are growing doubts over whether he can be clinical enough to thrive in the Premier League.
A Case of Early Jitters or Signs of a Mismatch?
To be fair, some fans have urged calm and patience, reminding others that this was just a pre-season fixture, and Cunha may need more time to settle into his surroundings, understand the manager’s demands, and build chemistry with teammates. After all, even top-tier players often take several games — or even months — to hit full stride in a new league and system.
However, the fact that such a strong wave of negative reaction came after only 45 minutes cannot be ignored. It reflects not only concerns over Cunha himself but a broader anxiety about Manchester United’s transfer strategy and long-term vision.
What Happens Next?
All eyes will now be on Cunha’s next appearance. Can he bounce back quickly and silence the doubters? Or will fan concerns only deepen if performances don’t improve?
For now, the spotlight is hotter than ever. And at a club like Manchester United — where expectations are relentless and patience is limited — the pressure to perform immediately is real.
Whether this was a minor stumble or a sign of deeper issues remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Matheus Cunha’s debut has already stirred the pot, and United fans will be watching his every move from here on out.
Stay tuned — the Matheus Cunha story at Manchester United is just getting started.
