‘Really good’ ‘Brilliant’: Gary Neville & BBC pundit really impressed with one Man Utd star vs Brighton

It marks an important milestone for the former Wolves man, who had yet to register a single goal contribution in his prior eight appearances (all competitions) for Ruben Amorim’s men.

* Matheus Cunha stats at Man Utd in the 2025/26 season (all competitions prior to Brighton game), via Transfermarkt

Of all the moments the Brazilian ace could have chosen to take centre stage, he certainly picked a fine one at the weekend, with the Red Devils on track to win three games in a row.

Neville, speaking on co-commentary, was left especially impressed with the ‘really good’ nature of Cunha’s effort against Fabian Hürzeler’s visiting Seagulls.

“He has perfectly bent it into that far corner. Really good by Cunha,” the former Man Utd fullback spoke on Sky Sports.

Paul Robinson, reporting on BBC Radio 5 Live, was in agreement: “It’s a wonderful finish from Matheus Cunha and that goal has been coming from Manchester United.

“His first touch is brilliant.”

Matheus Cunha stats from the first half as Man Utd impress

What a time to be a Manchester United fan!

We’re still, to be absolutely clear, some distance away from reaching the heights now currently occupied by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. But the progress – particularly following an impressive away win at Anfield last week – is evident for all to see.

Ultimately, it helps that Amorim’s signings are all gradually proving their worth. Bryan Mbeumo, certainly, played a starring role in the 2-1 win against Arne Slot’s side last Sunday.

Having opened the scoring against Brighton, it’s no surprise to see Matheus Cunha handed a 7.7/10 rating (Sofascore) at half-time.

• 1 goal
• 0.65 expected goals on target (xGOT)
• 2 shots (2 on target)
• 29 touches
• 1/2 dribbles completed
• 9/13 accurate passes (69%)
• 1 interception
• 1 clearance
• 2/5 dribbles won

It’s been a really welcome performance, but we’re very aware of the fact the attacker is at some risk on occasion of undoing his own hard work.

There was a bit of a heart-in-mouth moment in that  regard, as the 26-year-old threw himself into what can only be described as a reckless slide tackle inside the box.

Cunha did, thankfully, manage to pull out before making contact with Yankuba Minteh. But it’s exactly the kind of thoughtlessness that would have Ruben Amorim (and United fans) pulling out their hair at half-time.

A good start for the forward – now to keep his cool for the second half!