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Matheus Cunha praised by Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven after Manchester United debut

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 6:39 AM ET

Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven both believe that Matheus Cunha has shown one all-important quality at Old Trafford since his summer move to Manchester United.

Over the summer, Ruben Amorim had the opportunity to observe Matheus Cunha’s development during Manch ester United’s pre-season matches across the US and Europe.

The 40-year-old didn’t hesitate to give Cunha his first Premier League appearance for United in their opening match of the new season.

Cunha was positioned on the left side of Ruben Amorim’s system for United in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Starting alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, Cunha made a strong impression on fans with his performance against Arsenal, despite the result.

Matthijs de Ligt’s remarks on Matheus Cunha’s early days at Manchester United say a lot about the mood around the club

Matheus Cunha made a positive impression at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s season opener against Arsenal, despite the team falling short.

The Brazil international is expected to play an important role for Ruben Amorim this season after building a good reputation during his time with Wolves.

Speaking in United’s ‘First Impressions’ series, defender Matthijs de Ligt shared what has stood out to him about Cunha since he joined the club.

Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images

The Dutchman highlighted how well Cunha has settled in off the pitch and pointed to his positive influence around the squad.

“I think he made a good impression, he has fitted in really well to the group, he is nice to talk to, he is really open, so outside the pitch he is a really good guy, really energetic, a lot of fun and that’s the most important thing I think,” De Ligt said via Manchester United’s official website.

“On the pitch he’s doing really well. He understands how the manager wants to play.”

“Obviously, he played the system already with Wolves and he has some experience with it. I think he can help us more and more.”

Man Utd defender Ayden Heaven on Matheus Cunha: ‘He’s quite lively in the changing room’

Cunha made an immediate impact at Old Trafford after United met h is £62.5m release clause at Wolves early in the summer window.

The 26-year-old arrived off a strong season, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists for Wolves, and manager Ruben Amorim was already well aware of his abilities.

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Ayden Heaven, speaking about Cunha’s arrival, echoed Matthijs de Ligt’s comments about the Brazilian’s positive influence in the dressing room.

“We knew he was a great player because we’ve played against him,” he said. “When we trained with him, he showed his qualities with us and he’s just given us all confidence to play.”

“He is going to help the team and help us to improve. He’s quite lively in the changing room, so he’s fitted in well. You always need that in the changing room and he plays a big role.”

Amorim will be looking for a response from his side following their opening day defeat when they travel to Fulham this weekend.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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