Manchester United clinched a thriller against fierce rivals Liverpool, winning 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It was a fantastic victory, considering how the hosts let their two-goal half-time lead slip, only for Kobbie Mainoo to seal the deal late on.
The three points meant the Red Devils have guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League after a two-year absence.
In the process, they also completed a league double over their arch-rivals for the first time in over a decade.
Matheus Cunha: immediate impact
Michael Carrick once again got his team selection spot on, as he brought back Matheus Cunha into the starting line-up for the ineffective Amad.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 87 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.08 |
| Expected goals on target (xGOT) | 0.24 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.02 |
| xG + xA | 0.10 |
| Accurate passes | 20/27 (74%) |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Shots off target | 0 |
| Blocked shots | 2 |
| Shot accuracy | 1/1 (100%) |
| Fantasy points | 7 |
| Defensive contributions | 9 |
| Touches | 48 |
| Touches in opposition box | 5 |
| Successful dribbles | 2/3 (67%) |
| Passes into final third | 1 |
| Accurate crosses | 0/1 (0%) |
| Accurate long balls | 1/2 (50%) |
| Dispossessed | 1 |
| Non-penalty xG | 0.08 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Blocks | 0 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
| Ground duels won | 4/9 (44%) |
| Aerial duels won | 0/4 (0%) |
| Was fouled | 1 |
| Fouls committed | 3 |
stats via fotmob
The Brazilian got in on the act as early as the sixth minute, as he initially saw his effort from a corner blocked. He was quickest to react, and his subsequent effort found its way into the back of the net.
This was his ninth goal for the 20-time English league champions, making him the joint-second top scorer for his new club in the Premier League.
Apart from the opening goal, the Brazil international tormented the visitors down the left, completing two dribbles and letting off three shots in total.
Matheus Cunha: Fantastic with and without the ball
The 26-year-old had five touches inside the Liverpool box and completed one pass inside the final third.
United’s No.10 was equally effective without the ball, winning a 100 percent of his tackles, as he made nine defensive contributions in total.
The former Wolves ace recovered the ball five times, and completed two interceptions (all stats via fotmob).
With Patrick Dorgu now back, Matheus Cunha will need to be at the top of his game to keep his place. Based on current form, that looks likely.
Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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