Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha returned to the first-team squad on Saturday night as the Reds beat Chelsea at Old Trafford
Matheus Cunha pictured during Manchester United’s victory over Chelsea(Image: Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha’s celebrations after the 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford showed exactly how big a result it was for the Reds on Saturday.
United looked like they would run away with the contest in the first half as they punished the Blues ruthlessly. Robert Sanchez was sent off in the opening stages after he hacked down Bryan Mbeumo outside of his penalty area.
Bruno Fernandes punished Chelsea almost immediately before Casemiro added a second before the break. With United in control, the context of the match switched as the Brazilian was sent off for a second bookable offence.
After the interval, the task for United turned to consolidation which they were doing a good job of until Trevoh Chalobah’s header ten minutes from the end. A nervous finish ensued but the Reds saw the game out with Cunha holding the ball by the corner flag.
Once the full-time whistle was blown, there was a clear release in emotions from Cunha. He turned towards the Stretford End and booted the ball into the crowd, shouting in celebration towards the home fans before being embraced by his teammates.
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Cunha’s reaction was perhaps the result of all the pressure that has been mounting on the team and particularly Ruben Amorim since last Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City in the derby. Amorim had to face questions about his tactics and his future on Friday and the victory over the Blues will go some way to silencing his critics.
The next task for United and Amorim is to build on this result and push themselves closer to the top four. Next up is a trip to Brentford in the Saturday lunchtime fixture.
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