Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has expressed his and his side's disappointment at losing 3-1 away to Brentford as the Red Devils slip to their third Premier League defeat of the season. The Brazilian explained how much these losses are affecting him and the rest of the squad, but is determined to turn these lacklustre performances around quickly.
United fall to yet another defeat at the Gtech
United’s record away at Brentford is not a glowing one. The Red Devils have produced some of their most pitiful displays in west London in recent seasons and Saturday’s defeat notches yet another loss to the tally. Brentford have won three of their last four home fixtures against United, including a 4-0 rout of Erik ten Hag’s side in one of the Dutch manager’s earliest games. The Bees, even with new boss Keith Andrews in charge instead of Thomas Frank, seem to have United’s number and Ruben Amorim’s side never looked like upsetting the apple cart this weekend. Last weekend’s victory over Chelsea had suggested the Red Devils possessed a small ounce of steel, but finding themselves 2-0 down against Brentford after just 20 minutes offered a stark reminder of the sorry state United remain in. Cunha, who joined the club in the summer from Wolves, is yet to showcase why he cost the club such a significant fee and was frustrated to be on the losing side once again.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCunha shares the pain of defeat
Speaking to after the game, Cunha was asked about the mood in the dressing room. He explained: "[The mood] is horrible. Honestly, horrible. I always say the same, we know how important it is to play for a club like this one and we go for every game to win. For it not to end like that, it is a horrible feeling. Everyone wanted to do more, everyone needs to do more. Of course, we need to go again, that's only the way.
"Honestly, trying to find excuses, I don't think is the way. We know what you need to do. I don't think we did well. They were more fit, they arrived and scored goals, but like I say, that is not an excuse. We know what they proposed to play and they play what they want."
Cunha added that he felt the referee had not had the best game. The Brazilian, who was knocked off the ball in the build up to Brentford's first goal, felt he had been robbed of the ball unfairly and should have been awarded a free kick. He said that he felt "someone pushed me", but the forward could have few complaints and should have been stronger when on the attack. The Bees, having nicked the ball, sent a long pass over the top to Cunha's compatriot Igor Thiago who fired home a spectacular effort to open the scoring.
Cunha had further grievances with the referee, claiming that Nathan Collins should have been shown a red card. The Irish defender brought down Bryan Mbeumo in the penalty area and appeared to have denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity, but the Premier League explained the Cameroonian did not have control of the ball and therefore Collins was just given a caution. On the incident, Cunha said: "I think it needs to be a red card, but everyone can make mistakes. We understand. Even I don't know if it is a mistake or not.
"After the game we always think something [could have went] for us, but you need to know the truth."
Cunha and United's attack continue to stutter
Saturday’s defeat marks yet another disappointment in the Amorim era. The Portuguese coach is yet to win consecutive games in the Premier League and their spot in mid-table is beginning to feel more of a familiarity, rather than an anomaly. The Red Devils can take heart from Benjamin Sesko finally getting of the mark for the club, even if the Slovenian’s goal came in scrappy fashion. Despite showing bright moments, Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo are yet to truly click and offer a semblance of a potent attacking trio. There is still time for the new signings to gel, but the clock is ticking on Amorim to make it work.
Getty Images SportXhaka's Black Cats come to Old Trafford
United’s next fixture comes at Old Trafford as Sunderland arrive in Manchester looking to continue their strong form. The Black Cats will be hoping to seize upon the Red Devils’ many vulnerabilities and their captain Granit Xhaka will also be looking forward to facing a side he has scored three times against – he has not scored against any other side more frequently.
