Matheus Cunha Relieved After Scoring First Manchester United Goal in Thrilling 4–2 Win Over Brighton
Matheus Cunha couldn’t hide his joy — and relief — after finally opening his goal account for Manchester United in their thrilling 4–2 victory over Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Brazilian forward, who joined the Red Devils from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window, played a starring role in what was arguably United’s most complete attacking performance under Rúben Amorim so far this season.
For weeks, Cunha had been under mounting pressure to deliver. Signed for a reported £50 million, expectations were high that he would inject dynamism and flair into United’s front line. But until Saturday, the goals had eluded him. That all changed in the 38th minute, when he calmly slotted home a rebound from Alejandro Garnacho’s deflected shot to double United’s lead and send the Old Trafford faithful into raptures.
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“It felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders”
After the match, Cunha spoke candidly about what the goal meant to him.
> “It felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” he told MUTV. “I’ve been working so hard in training, creating chances, pressing, doing everything the manager wants — but when you’re a striker, you always want that goal. To finally see the ball hit the back of the net here at Old Trafford… it’s a special moment for me.”
Cunha’s teammates surrounded him in celebration, with captain Bruno Fernandes leading the applause and Amorim clapping passionately on the touchline. It was a visible moment of unity — a sign that the dressing room is behind the 25-year-old, who has quickly become a popular figure within the squad.
> “Everyone has been telling me to stay calm and that my time would come,” Cunha added. “I just needed that first one, and now I hope many more will follow.”
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A starring performance in United’s attacking resurgence
Cunha’s goal was just one highlight in a pulsating match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Amorim’s side started with intent, pressing Brighton high and moving the ball with fluidity and pace.
Rasmus Højlund opened the scoring after just 14 minutes, converting a precise cross from Garnacho with a powerful near-post finish. Brighton equalized through João Pedro, but United responded swiftly, and Cunha’s strike restored their lead before halftime.
In the second half, United tightened their grip on the game. Fernandes made it 3–1 with a curling free kick that left Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen rooted to the spot. Cunha then turned provider, setting up Garnacho for the fourth goal with a clever backheel assist after a slick one-two with Mainoo.
Brighton pulled one back late on through Simon Adingra, but United’s victory never looked in doubt. The home crowd responded with chants of “Viva Amorim” and “Cunha’s on fire,” reflecting both the excitement surrounding the team’s recent form and the Brazilian’s standout performance.
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Amorim praises Cunha’s mentality
Speaking after the match, manager Rúben Amorim praised Cunha for his perseverance and adaptability.
> “Matheus has been excellent since the first day,” Amorim said. “He’s worked hard for the team — pressing, linking play, creating chances — but today he got his reward. Sometimes strikers go through difficult spells where the ball just doesn’t go in, but what matters is how you react. Matheus never stopped believing.”
Amorim also hinted that Cunha’s versatility — his ability to play across the front three or as a second striker — gives United valuable tactical flexibility.
> “He’s not just a goalscorer,” the Portuguese coach explained. “He’s intelligent in how he moves, how he presses, and how he creates space for others. That’s why we brought him here. The goal will boost his confidence, but I value everything else he does just as much.”
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Fernandes: “We’ve all been waiting for this moment”
Bruno Fernandes was quick to pay tribute to his teammate, revealing how much the squad had rallied around the Brazilian during his early struggles.
> “We’ve all been waiting for this moment for Matheus,” the captain said. “He works so hard every day. Sometimes when a forward doesn’t score, people only see the goals missing, but inside the team, we know how important he’s been for us. He deserved that goal tonight.”
Fernandes added that Cunha’s blend of work rate and flair makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s pressing system.
> “He presses like crazy, he fights for every ball, and he’s technically brilliant. The fans will see more of him now that the first goal has come.”
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A crucial win that extends United’s winning run
The 4–2 triumph marked Manchester United’s fourth consecutive victory in all competitions and maintained their push toward the top four. After a rocky start to the campaign, Amorim’s men appear to be finding rhythm and belief.
United have scored 11 goals in their last three matches, a stark contrast to the early-season struggles that saw them criticized for being blunt in attack. Amorim’s tactical tweaks — including using Cunha in a free-roaming role behind Højlund — have injected fluidity into the front line.
Cunha’s movement often dragged Brighton defenders out of position, allowing Garnacho and Fernandes to exploit gaps in behind. His link-up play with Mainoo in midfield also drew praise, as United transitioned from defense to attack with newfound confidence.
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Cunha’s journey: from frustration to fulfilment
It’s been a challenging few months for Matheus Cunha since his move from Wolves. The Brazilian arrived with a reputation for flair and hard work, but adapting to United’s intensity and the scrutiny that comes with wearing the famous red shirt took time.
He started brightly in pre-season but endured a goal drought once competitive matches began. There were flashes of brilliance — clever assists, silky dribbles, and tireless pressing — but the finishing touch seemed to desert him.
> “It’s never easy when you come to a big club like United,” Cunha admitted. “The pressure is different, the expectations are huge. But I’ve learned to stay focused on the process, to trust the work we do every day. Tonight is a result of that.”
His persistence and professionalism, according to club sources, have impressed Amorim and the coaching staff. Even during his dry spell, Cunha was reportedly one of the most vocal and positive figures in the dressing room.
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United fans embrace their new hero
The Old Trafford faithful responded warmly to Cunha’s breakthrough moment. As he celebrated his goal by sprinting toward the Stretford End, arms wide open and roaring with emotion, fans rose to their feet chanting his name.
Social media was flooded with clips of the goal and his celebration, with supporters praising not only his finish but also his selfless contributions throughout the match.
One fan posted: “Cunha has that old-school United spirit — fights for every ball, plays with passion, and now he’s off the mark. Big things coming!”
Another wrote: “If anyone deserved a goal tonight, it was him. Amorim’s system is starting to click, and Cunha looks right at home.”
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Focus shifts to next challenge
Cunha’s breakthrough comes at a crucial time as United prepare for a midweek clash against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup and a tough Premier League trip to Arsenal the following weekend.
Amorim emphasized the importance of maintaining focus:
> “It’s good to enjoy these moments, but the season is long. We celebrate tonight, and tomorrow we prepare again. We want to build consistency — that’s the key.”
Cunha echoed that sentiment, showing maturity and team-first mentality.
> “I’m happy for the goal, but most of all for the win. It’s about the team. If we keep playing like this, fighting for each other, we can achieve big things.”
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A new chapter begins
Matheus Cunha’s first goal for Manchester United may prove to be more than just a personal milestone — it could mark the start of a new attacking era under Rúben Amorim. The combination of energy, pressing, and creativity that United displayed against Brighton was a glimpse of what the Portuguese manager has been striving to build.
For Cunha, the night will be unforgettable — a moment of relief, redemption, and renewed confidence. For United fans, it was another sign that something promising is brewing at Old Trafford.
> “This club is built on moments like this,” Amorim said after the match. “Hard work, passion, and belief. Matheus showed all of that tonight.”
And as the players walked off the pitch to thunderous applause, one thing felt clear: Matheus Cunha’s Manchester United story is just beginning.
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