Roy Keane delivered emphatic praise for Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha despite the team’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Aston Villa on Saturday.
‘More Than Potential’ – Keane Heaps Praise on Man Utd’s Cunha
The defeat at Villa Park marked United’s second consecutive loss, dropping them to seventh in the table. Morgan Rogers scored both goals for in-form Villa, whose tenth straight win lifted them to third.
Cunha netted United’s sole reply just before half-time, showcasing the quality that prompted his £62.5 million summer switch from Wolves.
Analysing the match for Sky Sports, the former United captain focused on the Brazilian’s impact. When asked if he saw potential in the 24-year-old, Keane was definitive.
“It’s more than potential, he’s the real deal,” Keane stated. “It was never in doubt [the goal], it’s a brilliant finish.”
He did, however, note Cunha later missed a glaring second-half chance that “defies logic.”
Keane’s commendation for the attacker contrasted with his stark assessment of United’s collective defending.
“They’ve conceded six goals in the last two games and that’s not good enough,” he said.
“You can’t make progress with that.”
He argued the team lacks sufficient intensity and pride without the ball, making their task unnecessarily difficult.
United manager Ruben Amorim offered a different view post-match, insisting his side were superior on the day.
“I think we were the better team today,” Amorim said.
“We deserved so much more but the better team did not win.”
Ultimately, while individual brilliance from Cunha offered a positive, Keane emphasised that United’s recurring defensive issues continue to undermine their progress.
The result leaves them three points adrift of the top four as the season reaches its halfway point.
