The pair made their competitive debuts for United vs Arsenal
Sean McCormick Football Content Editor
14:30, 18 Aug 2025
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo made their competitive debuts for Manchester United on Sunday(Image: Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images.)
Manchester United’s new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo gave plenty of reasons for United fans to be positive about this season, despite Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
That is the verdict of former Liverpool midfielder and BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy who felt the pair gave United an extra physical edge at Old Trafford compared to last season.
United signed Cunha for £62.5million from Wolves, while Mbeumo arrived in a deal that could reach £71million from Brentford.
The pair scored 37 goals between them last season and while neither found the net against the Gunners, their overall performance has given Murphy reason to be positive about United’s prospects this season.
“They are more dynamic, more direct, more confident,” Murphy told Match of the Day. “Physically, they looked really good and I think a lot of that comes from having players high up the pitch, especially the two new boys (Cunha and Mbeumo) who are just high in quality.
“It is like chalk and cheese (to last season). Man United fans, I think, can actually be quite positive about this.”
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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However, when asked about where United still need to strengthen, Murphy was clear a midfielder has to be the club’s top priority in the transfer market.
“Some might think a goalkeeper, but I probably think a central midfielder if you are going to play Bruno Fernandes in there,” Murphy added.
“Someone a bit more powerful than Casemiro and Ugarte, someone who can do a bit of running for him.
“Even if they don’t get anybody, that front end of the pitch is going to make their season completely different because every team they play against is wary.”
The 33-year-old Casemiro started in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes against Arsenal and it is no secret Amorim wants more physicality in that department.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo were named on the bench against the Gunners and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is known to be of interest to United.
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Manchester United have unveiled their new third kit for the 2025/26 season.