The forward’s performance against Everton left a distinct impression – or rather, a lack of one. He started his first game of the season, tasked with leading the attack, but appeared to struggle with the game’s tempo from the opening whistle.
Late in the match, with his team desperately seeking an equalizer, he found himself on the receiving end of two headed chances. One required a stunning save from Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, a moment of individual brilliance amidst a largely muted display.
A former United striker offered a blunt assessment, stating the player simply doesn’t fit the manager’s vision. He admitted to a lack of excitement when watching the forward, a telling critique of his overall impact on the game.
The absence of another key attacker, Cunha, was keenly felt. Without Cunha’s presence, the team seemed to resort to a more direct, hopeful approach – a barrage of crosses aimed towards the forward, almost as a last resort.
This shift in tactics highlighted a fundamental mismatch. With Cunha in the lineup, the team’s style of play is markedly different, avoiding the reliance on aerial balls that characterized much of the Everton match.
The reliance on crosses felt like desperation, a departure from the team’s preferred method of attack. When a team begins “lumping the ball,” it often signals a lack of creative ideas and a growing sense of panic.
While a couple of those crosses did find his head, the overall performance underscored a deeper issue. The forward’s profile, according to the analyst, doesn’t align with the team’s established playing style, and he failed to inspire confidence.
The team will be hoping for Cunha’s swift return to fitness. A difficult away fixture against Crystal Palace looms, and his presence could be crucial in dictating the team’s approach and unlocking their attacking potential.
