Old Trafford turned from the Theatre of Dreams into a personal nightmare for Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno as Manchester United edged a thrilling 3–2 win. While Benjamin Šeško’s dramatic 94th-minute winner dominated the headlines, the player who truly left a lasting mark on Leno was Matheus Cunha. By the time the final whistle blew, the German keeper admitted he had been mentally and physically drained by the Brazilian’s relentless presence.
Cunha, drafted back into the starting XI after Patrick Dorgu’s injury, delivered a performance brimming with intensity, sharp movement and fearless intent. From the opening exchanges, he harassed defenders, demanded the ball and constantly threatened the goal. His defining moment came in the 56th minute when he unleashed a ferocious strike into the roof of the net, a goal that summed up the confidence and aggression he carried throughout the contest.
Speaking afterwards, Leno was candid about the ordeal. He explained that facing Cunha left him unable to settle, describing every touch from the forward as a fresh wave of danger. According to the Fulham keeper, Cunha’s unpredictability made him especially difficult to read, as he could shoot, slide a pass or power through challenges without warning. Having faced countless top attackers, Leno insisted the Brazilian’s energy stood apart from the rest.
Beyond the goal, Cunha was involved in almost every major flashpoint. A contentious VAR decision earlier in the match reduced a penalty to a free-kick, a call that appeared to intensify his determination rather than cool it. His link-up play, particularly with Casemiro, gave United a cutting edge that Fulham struggled to contain for long periods.
At full-time, the mutual respect between tormentor and tormented was clear as Leno and Cunha exchanged shirts, a quiet acknowledgment that the battle was finally over. For Manchester United, the victory marked a third consecutive win under Michael Carrick and lifted them into the top four, with Cunha’s influence symbolising a side suddenly playing with belief, balance and bite.
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