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Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha got on the scoresheet to secure his side a point in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.
United and Leeds share the spoils
Cunha impressed as a depleted United recovered from a goal deficit against Leeds to ensure the points were shared.
Ruben Amorim made just one change to the starting XI, bringing Leny Yoro into the team in place of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman was dropped to the bench.
Cunha thought he had given United an early lead with a sensational volley, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the build-up. United kept pushing and chances fell to players like Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu. However, the visitors just couldn’t quite find the back of the net.
Leeds’ best chance in the opening 45 minutes fell to in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who beat Yoro with a cross and headed narrowly wide.
The match came alive in the 62nd minute when Brenden Aaronson left Ayden Heaven in his wake to fire past Senne Lammens.
The Yorkshire club’s lead did not last long as Cunha leveled with United less than three minutes later. The Brazilian was slipped in by Zirkzee and ensured a top finish.
The match ended in a frantic final, with both sides throwing everything forward in search of a late winner, but the match ultimately finished 1–1.
Cunha’s performance
In a defensive-minded team, Cunha carried the attacking burden for United, and he handled the responsibility well.
Cunha aimed a total of three shots, one of which was the equalizer. He came close to adding a second and winning the goal for United but was denied by the woodwork.
The former Wolves man found his teammates with 30 of the 43 passes he attempted (70% passing accuracy). One of his passes was a key pass.
He also connected on two of the five long balls he pinged.
Cunha touched the ball 78 times. He started six dribbles, three of which he completed. The 26-year-old contributed defensively, with two interceptions and as many clearances.
Cunha also contributed four recoveries. He engaged in 11 ground duels and came out on top four times. He also won two of the four aerial duels he competed in.
| Stands | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Total shots | 3 |
| Hit Woodwork | 1 |
| Key cards | 1 |
| Cross (accurate) | 2 (0) |
| Precise passes | 30/43 (70%) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 2/5 (40%) |
| Touches | 78 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 6 (3) |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Chargebacks | 4 |
| Ground duels (won) | 11 (4) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 4 (2) |
(Statistics obtained from Bank score)
United are next in action on Wednesday when they travel to Burnley.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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