Gary Neville, a former Manchester United legend and football commentator, has shared his thoughts on two key players from the club following their 4-2 victory over Brighton in the Premier League. The match saw Bryan Mbeumo score twice, while Matheus Cunha netted his first goal for the club since joining from Wolves.
Cunha, who joined Manchester United for a fee of £62.5 million, and Mbeumo, who came from Brentford for £71 million, have both made significant impacts in their early appearances. Neville praised the duo, stating that the risk associated with their signings was mitigated by their prior experience in the Premier League and their strong desire to perform at a higher level.
‘With Cunha and Mbeumo, the risk of those signings was removed because in the sense they had played in the Premier League before and they had the hunger to deliver at a different level,’ Neville said in an interview with Sky Sports.
He added, ‘Mbeumo looks like he belongs. He looks hungry and that he wants to score goals. Manchester United have something to build on. Cunha and Mbeumo will win a lot of matches for Manchester United.’
Another football expert, Jamie Redknapp, believes that Manchester United could potentially finish in the top five of the Premier League this season. The club struggled in the 2024-25 campaign, finishing 15th, but they appear to be showing signs of improvement this season.
‘We can’t get carried away but there is no reason why this team can’t get in the top five [in the Premier League],’ Redknapp commented. He also noted that while the team has the capability to achieve this, the manager is aware that things can change quickly.
Matheus Cunha, reflecting on his first goal for Manchester United, expressed his emotions during a conversation with the BBC. He stated, ‘It is hard to say something now. I have worked so hard for this. This is the club and this performance needs to be common and normal. I feel so good to be part of this.’
He continued, ‘My first goal here at Old Trafford, I dreamed a lot of this but of course the win is much more important. It is so hard to say something. I joked with Bryan [Mbeumo] and [Benjamin] Sesko, I told them I need to have this feeling [of scoring].’
Cunha also mentioned, ‘I felt so anxious to be a part of this and when I scored they said, ‘Look you can enjoy it now’ – I feel so good to be part of this. This is the club I grew up watching and to be here is a mix of sensations. To help them, it is my dream come true.’
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