Manchester United head coach says Cunha “showed what we need”
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has praised the impact of new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon after the pair made their first appearances for the club in Wednesday’s pre-season opener against Leeds United.
The friendly, played at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, ended in a lethargic goalless draw as the players tried to get some minutes under their belt.
For Amorim, it was a useful first look at two of his summer additions, both of whom started and played the first 45 minutes.
Speaking after the match, Amorim praised Cunha’s ability to carry the ball in tight spaces and pose a direct threat.
“I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need,” said Amorim. “That he is a player when he receives the ball between the lines can be really aggressive in the direction of the opponents.”
Leon, an 18-year-old wing-back brought in from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno, also drew praise from the United boss.
Amorim said: “Diego Leon comes from Paraguay. It’s his second week in Manchester. He’s done well. He’s powerful, he’s learning. He will be a very good player.”
United fielded a heavily rotated side, with 11 changes made at half-time as Amorim used the game to give his squad a workout.
“We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park,” said the Portuguese. “And you can feel it is hard to win the ball. But we created chances.”
