Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim admitted that the Red Devils did not have a player who was good with the ball last season and was thus happy to have Matheus Cunha do that for the side. He lavished praise on the new addition after their pre-season 2-1 victory against West Ham United on Saturday, July 26.
In an interaction with the media, Amorim noted that Cunha was a player who could run on the pitch with the ball at his feet.
"Matheus Cunha is that kind of player that can help us, he can help us a lot because he can run with the ball and that is something that can change the game. We missed that last year," said Amorim.
The Portuguese coach also praised his side's performance against West Ham. He gave special shout-outs to Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte.
"All the guys. I don’t want to talk specifically. Rasmus [Hojlund] did well. I really liked Rasmus’s game, the runs and the way he fought during the game, one against one, when we kicked the ball. He connected with the teammates so he did a great job," he added.
"In the first half, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Manu [Ugarte] were really good. I’m not going to talk about the second team because it’s really hard for 11 [10] players to go to the pitch, you know, a lot of young kids. But I really like the team. Of course, you have to look at the game and you have to improve things."
Bruno Fernandes smashed both goals for Manchester United as they secured their first victory of the pre-season. Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal of the match for West Ham United.
Matheus Cunha feels privileged to play for the Red Devils
Matheus Cunha opened up about his move to Manchester united and revealed that he was not feeling to do well immediately. He considers it a privilege to play for Manchester United.
"I really think the pressure of this club is not really pressure. It’s between a privilege, because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and like I say, when Ruben comes to me and shows all the pressure that I have to put the club in the perfect times again, I feel like it's a challenge that I want to do for my career. And for me, United is always one of the clubs that need to be there, and for someone that can be part of the process is something that, like I say, is a big privilege," he said.
Last season, Manchester United finished in 15th position in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.