Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo: Key Players in Reuben Amorim’s Tactics
Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach centers on a 3-4-2-1 setup, frequently featuring two attacking midfielders positioned behind a lone striker. This formation emphasizes fluid movement, intense pressing and the technical skills that players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have in great measure. This article will explore how Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will fit into Amorim’s tactical system at Manchester United.
How Matheus Cunha will fit into Reuben Amorim’s tactics
Manchester United acquired Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a £62.5 million fee following an outstanding season by the Brazilian at Molineux Stadium, where he netted 15 goals and delivered 6 assists in 33 Premier League matches for Wolves. The 26-year-old is recognized for his versatility, dribbling skills and strong defensive effort, making him well-suited for Reuben Amorim’s system as one of the attacking midfielders supporting the striker.
Ball-carrying is a fundamental aspect of Reuben Amorim’s philosophy, and Manchester United lacked this quality before Matheus Cunha joined the team. Cunha’s dribbling and ball-carrying skills are among his most impressive traits. He is confident in one-on-one situations and excels at moving the ball forward over long distances. With excellent acceleration, he can quickly outpace opponents from a standstill while maintaining control of the ball.
In Amorim’s system, which emphasizes fluid attacking play, Cunha’s ability to drive the ball forward would be extremely valuable. His agility and quick footwork make him unpredictable, enabling him to penetrate defensive lines and create space for teammates. Positioned as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the striker, Cunha would have the freedom to drop back, receive the ball under pressure, and push the attack forward.
Matheus Cunha possesses a remarkable variety of finishing skills. He frequently exceeds his expected goals(xG), showcasing his talent for scoring in different scenarios. Within Amorim’s system, Manchester United’s attacking midfielders are anticipated to score consistently. Cunha’s natural finishing ability, whether by accurate placement or strong shots, would provide a crucial goal scoring threat for Manchester United.
During Cunha’s time at Molineux, Wolves focused on counter-attacking strategies. Consequently, Cunha gained valuable experience in counter-attacking, providing an additional element to Manchester United’s offensive approach. Amorim’s teams are known for their rapid counter-attacks upon regaining possession, and Cunha’s expertise in this area will benefit Manchester United.
Amorim’s system requires his players to press with high intensity. Cunha possesses the endurance and determination to pressure defenders, block passing options and create turnovers, which fits seamlessly with Reuben Amorim’s tactics. Although Cunha may not be the most physically dominant in duels, he makes up for it by smartly using his body, protecting the ball effectively and maintaining strong pressure. His defensive effort would enable United to press further up the pitch and recover the ball swiftly.
How Bryan Mbeumo will fit into Reuben Amorim’s tactics
Manchester United acquired Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a £71 million fee. Bryan Mbeumo concluded the 2024/25 Premier League season as one of the top forwards in the league. The 25-year-old Cameroonian recorded 27 combined goals and assists in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, ranking third in the league.
Bryan Mbeumo is a right inside-forward known for his exceptional finishing skills and ability to create goal-scoring chances. He is also a strong ball-carrier with great stamina and determination for pressing, combined with a high work rate. Bryan Mbeumo’s heat map data from last season shows that he primarily operated on the right wing, staying close to the touchline, making diagonal runs, and generating overloads in the half-space.
In Amorim’s system, Bryan Mbeumo is expected to play as the right-sided attacker positioned behind the striker. When Manchester United have possession, Mbeumo will maintain width on the right wing, and upon receiving the ball on the right wing, Mbeumo’s role will be to drive the ball into the right inside channel and engage in combination plays with the right wingback, who will make overlapping or underlapping runs. Additionally, Mbeumo will also be tasked with making well-timed runs across defenders to connect with through balls from Bruno Fernandes or Matheus Cunha to get shots on goal.
Reuben Amorim’s strategy demands aggressive pressing from his forwards, and Bryan Mbeumo’s diligent work rate and ability to intercept passes and force turnovers will be essential for Manchester United to pressure their opponents into mistakes and swiftly take advantage of counterattacks. Mbeumo’s impressive speed and ball-handling abilities will be key during counterattack situations. Furthermore, his solid defensive mindset will help him effectively mark opposing runners when Manchester United adopts a low defensive block.
Despite the frustrations of last season, Manchester United supporters have several reasons to feel hopeful about the upcoming season, and the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are among them. Both players not only offer a significant boost in goals and assists to a team that struggled to score goals last season but also bring valuable Premier League experience, which will enable them to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
