Cunha Conundrum: Can Amorim Spark Manchester United’s Striker to Light?

Context

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha still has higher levels to reach as he eyes his return from a head injury that sidelined him for two matches.

Current Form and Role

Cunha joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June for £62.5 million and has managed only one goal this season, triggering criticism and questions about his early adaptation at the club.

Although he may start on the bench against West Ham United on Thursday, after Joshua Zerki and Mason Mount sealed a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, Amorim stressed Cunha’s technical value and his role in the squad.

In a press conference today, Amorim addressed the pressure of numbers on Cunha: "I believe he has higher levels to reach. He is at a different club, under different pressure, but he has handled it well… he struggled because he wasn't scoring, and social media views made him think about the numbers a lot."

He added: "But his influence for the team is very important. Cunha has a lot to offer both offensively and defensively."

Amorim also revealed doubts about two players’ fitness for the match, without naming them, saying: "We have two players doubtful; I won’t name them today because we’ll adjust the way we approach the game."

He confirmed Cunha has returned to action, while Harry Maguire remains injured, along with Benjamin Sisco.

Punchline 1: Looks like Cunha’s learning curve is longer than the club’s trophy cabinet. Punchline 2: If goals were snacks, Cunha would need a bigger bench to feed the meme crowd.