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JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey are two of Manchester United’s most exciting young talents, and they clearly look up to Matheus Cunha in the first team.

Matheus Cunha scored his seventh goal of the season to put Manchester United ahead in their 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Owen was in awe of Cunha and his finish after he burst in behind the defence and slotted calmly past Emiliano Martinez in goal.

Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring their second with Bruno Fernandes during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

What is your verdict on Matheus Cunha’s debut season for Man United?

Matheus Cunha graphicGetty Images Matheus Cunha sends message to Man Utd fans after Villa win

Following the 3-1 victory at Old Trafford, Cunha took to Instagram to celebrate the win and send a message to supporters.

Cunha posted photos of his surfing celebration, captioned: “Bagulho sinistro (translation: something crazy). Beautiful Sunday reds.”

United wonderkid JJ Gabriel was quick to reply ‘top’, while Shea Lacey posted a surfing emoji to match Cunha’s celebration.

Neither JJ Gabriel nor Lacey were in the matchday squad for the Villa clash, but both youngsters have been in and around the first team this season.

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Player ratings v Villa JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey can look up to Matheus Cunha

Ahead of the Villa clash, it was revealed that Gabriel has been in first-team training under Carrick.

Additionally, Shea Lacey has returned to training following a recovery from injury.

Lacey made his debut against Villa in the reverse fixture this season back in December, and the 18-year-old will be eager to get back into the first-team picture at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Five winners and two losers from Man United’s 3-1 win vs Aston Villa

Cunha has shown a brilliant mentality and attitude since making his move to Manchester, and it seems he is already becoming a role model for some of United’s younger talents.

In 2026/27, Cunha might find himself playing alongside Gabriel and Lacey a lot more in the first team.

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