Manchester United 3–1 loss at Brentford added to pressure around manager Ruben Amorim and squad. Though Matheus Cunha made a game of it, the team was poor out of the gate and gave up two goals in the opening 20 minutes to compatriot Igor Thiago. Fans and pundits are now asking about the team’s direction and psychological resolve.
Cunha’s Call for Character
Matheus Cunha, disappointed as he came off the pitch, stressed the importance of resilience and self-belief. He said, “For belief? 100%. I don’t think the problem is the manager. We need to have character to change the situation.”
Cunha made it clear that only the players were responsible and required to pull their socks up to change things around. He added, “It’s very frustrating to come here and not win. Every game in the Premier League is important. We need to do more – that’s the key, I think. Improve, improve, improve – this is the word, I think. We need to be focused and to have big character right now.” His words reflect the urgency to fight for the shirt and make tangible changes on the pitch.
Amorim’s Tactical Dilemma
Ruben Amorim admitted frustration over United failing to execute their game plan. The squad faltered in transitions and set pieces, with Bruno Fernandes squandering one critical penalty that might have altered the momentum. Amorim stuck with his 3-4-2-1, while suggesting that issue is not the tactics but the players’ inability to carry them out effectively. United’s lower-table position underlines the urgency to improve both mentally and tactically.
Author’s Opinion
The defeat exposes a wider malaise at Manchester United. While it is commendable that Cunha has focused on character, this only serves to highlight systemic failings in a team bereft of consistency, composure and discipline. The fact that Amorim isn’t changing his system after so many failures feels like it hints at rigidity. Without collective focus, adaptability, and leadership on the pitch, the Red Devils risk a season defined by disappointment.
As featured on ManUNews.com
