Gary Neville made no secret of his disbelief as Matheus Cunha missed a glorious chance to save Manchester United against Aston Villa
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha is picked up by his teammates after missing a close chance vs Aston Villa(Image: Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes Matheus Cunha has ‘no excuse’ for missing his second-half header from close range against Aston Villa – a chance for his second equaliser of the game.
Cunha had already tied the score just before half-time, shortly after Morgan Rogers had given Villa the lead. However, United‘s inability to handle their hosts allowed the Englishman to restore the lead at 2-1 with just 32 minutes remaining.
Shortly after, United’s No. 10 was given another opportunity to secure a second equaliser. With plenty of space in the six-yard box, Cunha misdirected a header into the ground and it bounced off target.
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“Oh my goodness,” Neville reacted while commentating for Sky Sports, adding: “You will have to go a long way to see a worse miss than that.”
“[It] had to be a goal. It’s an absolutely brilliant pass from [Mason] Mount and a wonderful cross from [Patrick] Dorgu. On a plate.
“He’s got no excuse, Cunha, he has to score.”
The Brazilian appeared devastated that he hadn’t managed to capitalise on the opportunity, lying face down on the pitch until his teammates came to lift him up both physically and metaphorically.
Following his miss, United were still unable to mount a successful comeback in the remaining time and thus lost the chance to draw level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea following their stumble at Newcastle United over 24 hours earlier.
Roy Keane, commenting at full-time, added: “This is where football drives you mad.
Ruben Amorim reacts to Man Utd’s loss at Villa Park.(Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar, Getty Images)
“Absolutely brilliant delivery, as soon as it leaves his foot you’re thinking [this is going to be a goal], and then there’s no logic to it. We can’t even explain it.
“We were saying here it is easier than a penalty. He’s got five, six yards. Only the player maybe could explain it, whether he’s lost concentration as it’s coming onto his head?”.
“Sometimes for a player it is too easy. On target and it’s a goal. Another big moment for United.”
United’s troubles were added to with captain Bruno Fernandes in visible discomfort with his hamstring before the half-time break. The midfielder was eventually substituted for Lisandro Martinez.
Amorim has since stated he will wait on a full analysis of the problem, though is already certain he does not wish to dip into January’s transfer market as a means to remedy any long-term issues.
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