Michael Owen Calls for Matheus Cunha to Start After Dramatic Arsenal Victory
Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen has urged manager Michael Carrick to start Matheus Cunha in the club's next Premier League fixture against Fulham, following the Brazilian's match-winning heroics against Arsenal. Owen expressed surprise that Cunha did not begin the game at the Emirates Stadium, but believes his decisive contribution has made him undroppable.
A Super-Sub Performance That Changed the Game
Manchester United secured a memorable 3-2 victory over league leaders Arsenal in a thrilling encounter in North London. The result marked Arsenal's first home defeat of the season and cut their lead at the top of the table to just four points, after Manchester City and Aston Villa also won earlier in the weekend.
Cunha, who began the match on the substitutes' bench, entered the fray and delivered a moment of pure quality in the closing stages. With the scores level at 2-2 after Mikel Merino's equaliser for the Gunners, Cunha collected the ball and unleashed a stunning strike into the bottom corner, sealing a dramatic comeback win for the Red Devils.
"I was surprised that he didn't start," Owen admitted, analysing the performance. "But saying that, after the performance against Manchester City, I can understand why Michael Carrick didn't change things. He will start next game, no question about it."
Owen's Analysis of a 'Dangerous' Talent
Owen was effusive in his praise for Cunha's technical ability and composure in the decisive moment. He highlighted the forward's qualities, labelling him as one of the most threatening players in the division.
"As soon as he picked the ball up, first touch, I said 'goal'... he's just got amazing power, accuracy, he knows how to set himself," Owen explained. "He's calm in that situation. This is one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League in this type of area."
The former Ballon d'Or winner elaborated on Cunha's overall profile, acknowledging his occasional inconsistencies but emphasising his game-changing potential. "I think this lad is a serious player. Yes, he's a bit of a maverick, he can probably frustrate at times, but I think he's got pace, a lovely touch, he can score goals."
The Context of United's Impressive Victory
The victory was built on remarkable resilience from Carrick's side, who twice came from behind. Arsenal took the lead in the first half through a Lisandro Martinez own goal, before United equalised just before half-time. Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a rare error from Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi to slot home calmly.
United then went ahead early in the second half through a spectacular long-range effort from Patrick Dorgu, which Owen and pundit Gary Neville described as a "wonder strike" and "the goal of a lifetime". Arsenal's pressure eventually told with Merino's leveller, setting the stage for Cunha's late intervention.
Owen pointed to United's clinical edge as the key difference. "Three shots on target, three goals. I don't think it's a coincidence... I actually thought they played better against Manchester City last week but they were so clinical today. Three half chances and all three of them went in the back of the net against a serious, serious side."
Injury Concern Adds to Selection Dilemma
Cunha's case for a starting berth may have been strengthened by an injury to Patrick Dorgu, who was forced off in the latter stages with a suspected hamstring problem. Owen confirmed this would likely influence Carrick's thinking for the Fulham match.
"He will start next game, no question about it, because it looks like Dorgu might have had a hamstring injury," Owen stated.
The pundit did question one of Carrick's other substitutions, however, suggesting that bringing on Benjamin Sesko late in the game was a "risky" move when Mason Mount was also available. Despite this minor critique, Owen concluded that everything the United manager is currently doing seems to be working. "But anything Michael Carrick touches turns to gold!"
A Statement Result in the Title Race
While Owen still believes Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League title, he described United's victory as a significant statement. The win propelled United up to fourth place in the table and demonstrated a newfound confidence and belief within the squad.
"I still think Arsenal will go on and win the league but that's a real statement from Manchester United," Owen said. "Having confidence as a player, having that belief again, it turns you into Superman. It's quite incredible... we've just seen it: Manchester United have just put in two unbelievable performances."
The focus now shifts to Old Trafford and the visit of Fulham, with all eyes on Michael Carrick's team sheet to see if the in-form Matheus Cunha gets the starting role his match-winning contribution has arguably earned.
