Van Dijk Admits Manchester United Star “Nearly Gave Him a Heart Attack” After Anfield Thriller
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made surprising confession following his side’s dramatic 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield. Speaking candidly after the match, the Dutch defender revealed that one United player left him and his teammates completely stunned with a display that, in his words, “nearly gave me a heart attack.” The statement quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.
While many expected van Dijk to be referring to usual suspects like Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford, he instead praised Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward who delivered a sensational all-round performance. Cunha’s aggression, pace, and unrelenting energy reportedly caused chaos in Liverpool’s backline throughout the contest. Van Dijk admitted that he had rarely faced such a physically dominant and confident striker in the Premier League.
In his post-match comments, van Dijk explained that even his defensive partner, Ibrahima Konaté, struggled to contain Cunha’s intensity. “At one point, Konaté didn’t even want to step out to challenge him — he was that sharp and fearless,” said the Dutchman. “He played with no hesitation, no fear. You could tell he was enjoying every battle on the pitch.”
Cunha’s display was indeed extraordinary. From the opening whistle, he set the tone with his aggressive pressing, smart off-ball movement, and powerful hold-up play. Time and again, he dropped deep to collect the ball, turned swiftly under pressure, and launched fast counter-attacks that caught Liverpool’s defense off guard. His tireless work rate made him a constant threat — he not only attacked but also tracked back, pressing Liverpool’s midfielders and fighting for every loose ball.
Sources inside Liverpool’s camp later revealed that Cunha’s name dominated the post-match dressing room conversations. Players such as Alisson Becker and Dominik Szoboszlai were reportedly full of admiration — and disbelief — at how one player could so effectively dismantle their defensive structure. A club insider told reporters, “Van Dijk couldn’t stop talking about him. He said Cunha played with the kind of hunger and passion that made it feel like a cup final.” Another Liverpool player even joked, “We didn’t know if we were facing Manchester United or Matheus Cunha FC — he was everywhere!”
Much of Cunha’s improvement has been attributed to United manager Rúben Amorim, who has reshaped the team’s attack with tactical innovation and confidence. At Anfield, Amorim gave Cunha a free, roaming role, allowing him to exploit the spaces between Liverpool’s defense and midfield. This not only pinned Liverpool’s backline deep but also disrupted their pressing rhythm. Former United legend Rio Ferdinand praised Amorim’s strategy, calling it “fearless and brilliantly executed.”
Van Dijk, known for his composure and class, showed great sportsmanship in acknowledging Cunha’s brilliance despite the defeat. “You have to respect that kind of performance,” he said. “We prepared for their wingers and midfielders, but this guy was the surprise. He controlled the game with power and intelligence — sometimes in football, you just face someone who won’t stop, and that was him tonight.” His words reflected both frustration and respect — a rare moment of honest admiration from one of football’s calmest defenders.
Fans across social media reacted with excitement and awe. Manchester United supporters hailed Cunha’s performance as one of the defining displays of the season, with one fan commenting, “Van Dijk admitting Cunha gave him a heart attack — that’s the ultimate compliment for a striker.” Even Liverpool fans conceded respect, acknowledging that the Brazilian was “unplayable” on the night.
Cunha’s rise under Amorim has been meteoric. Once seen as a work in progress, he is now emerging as a powerhouse in United’s front line — a forward blending flair, power, and determination. Comparisons have already been drawn to legends like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, strikers who made a habit of bullying top defenders. If this trajectory continues, Amorim may have found his perfect No. 9 — one who thrives in big games and thrives under pressure.
Van Dijk’s heartfelt reaction summed it up best: “He nearly gave me a heart attack,” the Liverpool captain laughed. “But that’s football — when someone performs like that, you just have to respect it.” Cunha’s fearless display didn’t just earn United three points; it earned the admiration of one of the best defenders in the world — a clear sign that his star is rising fast in English football.
