Cunha shines but is unlucky, Brazil beats Senegal 2-0
Twice hitting the woodwork, 6/9 contested wins: Brazil 2-0 Senegal exposed the paradox of Matheus Cunha and the number 9 problem for coach Ruben Amorim when Sesko was injured.
Two rebounds in the same match, but Brazil still beat Senegal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. For Matheus Cunha, it was 90 minutes that revealed his greatest paradox: his remarkable influence on the game versus his lack of composure in front of goal. According to Sanidhya Bhardwaj, the performance mirrored Cunha’s performance at Manchester United.
Two goals define a game
Partnering Vinicius Junior in a 4-2-2-2 formation, Cunha got things rolling from the start: moving wide, linking the lines and becoming the destination for vertical passes. The big chance opened up after a clever through ball from Bruno Guimaraes; Cunha faced the goalkeeper, fired a low shot that went beyond the keeper’s reach but hit the post.
Not long after, Guimaraes continued to put the ball on the right trajectory with an ideal cross. Cunha jumped high to head the ball, but the crossbar saved Senegal. Two situations, two times the ball found the goalpost - the most concise summary of the "unlucky" feeling that haunted the 26-year-old striker in this match.
Tactical role in Brazil's 4-2-2-2 formation
A true second striker, Cunha constantly drops into the middle to stretch the distance between the centre-backs and Senegal’s midfield, opening up passages for Vinicius Junior and the midfielders to run into. This off-the-ball movement enhances the quality of his combinations – why he is the ‘trigger’ for the most dangerous situations.
Yet, at the crucial moment, precision deserted him. What was missing was the final touch: the choice of shot and a dash of luck. The contested and defensive stats reflected the heavy workload Cunha was undertaking – but the goal still did not come.
Selected statistics from Cunha's performance
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| The duel wins | 6/9 |
| Successful tackle | 2 |
| The ball finds the goal. | 2 |
The paradox at Manchester United and the weight of 54.5 million pounds
What has happened at the Emirates has been a magnified version of the past weeks at Old Trafford: Cunha is versatile, energetic, contributing to United’s revival – especially in games against Liverpool and Brighton – but his finishing has not been up to par. One goal in 10 games is a chilling reminder for a player valued at £54.5m.
At club level, Cunha’s explosiveness and fighting spirit are recognised. But in the final third, where every decision counts, he needs more than creativity: he needs coolness.
Problem number 9 for coach Ruben Amorim in the absence of Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury is likely to push Cunha into a true centre-forward role. In that position, all metrics point back to goals. Brazil 2-0 Senegal showed that Cunha can create chances with his speed and movement, but to finish the job, he needs to refine his finishing touch and be more calm in the final moments.
What it takes to turn effort into goals
Finishing technique is only one part; mentality and confidence determine the rest. With his workload and pressing contribution, demonstrated by 6/9 duels won and 2 tackles, Cunha’s foundation is clear. The remaining problem – as the game against Senegal outlined – is to convert his overall influence into finishing worthy of a No. 9. If that happens, the ricochets and crossbars will give way to decisive goals.