Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and head coach Ruben Amorim have shared their excitement over the early impact of new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their opening Premier League match of the 2025/26 season, the positive performances of the two players have given fans reason to be optimistic.
Bolstering United’s Attack
As part of United’s summer transfer window, Bryan Mbeumo arrived from Brentford, while Matheus Cunha was signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers. These acquisitions were intended to address the team’s underwhelming offensive record last season, where they managed to score only 44 goals in the league. Although neither player managed to score against Arsenal, their contributions on the pitch left a strong impression on Fernandes and Amorim.
Fernandes Praises the New Signings
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Fernandes highlighted the potential of Mbeumo and Cunha. “They created a lot, they were in the right positions,” he said. “We know they are dangerous and they are a threat. We are very aware of what they can give to the team. It was a good first impression for them, but I’m pretty sure they will do much better.” His remarks indicate a belief that both players can raise the attacking standards of Manchester United this season.
Amorim’s Tactical Insights
Ruben Amorim echoed Fernandes’ sentiments while analyzing the team’s overall performance. “I’m really proud of the guys,” Amorim shared. “They were really brave in everything they did during the game. Congratulations for the performance, but not congratulations [for the result] because we lost the game at home. We clearly deserved a different result and we need to move forward to the next one.”
Amorim also emphasized the changes the team implemented compared to last season, particularly in aggression, pressing, and possession. “We sprinted more, we were braver, and we pressed high. With the ball, we have quality, even when the stadium makes some sound, we continued to play the way we play. We lost fewer balls in the build-up compared to last year, when we struggled a lot,” he explained.
The Bigger Picture
The coach also noted the impact that players like Cunha and Mbeumo can have on lifting the atmosphere at Old Trafford. “Then the small things that we talk about in the beginning of this season when players like Cunha and Bryan can elevate the stadium in one moment. The most important thing – we weren’t boring. We need to win games but that was a completely different game to last season,” Amorim added.
Looking Forward
Despite the loss to Arsenal, Manchester United fans and management seem encouraged by the team’s progress under Amorim. The addition of Mbeumo and Cunha appears to be a step in the right direction as the club aims to compete at a higher level in 2025/26. With a renewed attacking intent and early signs of cohesion, the Red Devils could be in for an exciting campaign.
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