Matheus Cunha showed against West Ham exactly why Man Utd signed him

After recording 45 minutes of first team action against Leeds, Matheus Cunha played another 65 minutes for Manchester United against West Ham on Sunday. Ruben Amorim's side won the encounter 2-1 and while Bruno Fernandes netted both in a man of the match display, Cunha also impressed.

The 26-year-old arrived from Wolves for £62.5 million and, quite frankly, he's a player United have been crying out for. Forgetting the goals he will bring, Cunha's physicality and zealous nature will be warmly welcome at Old Traffford.

After just two minutes, Cunha's best work was at the other end of the pitch. Mucking in on the edge of United's box, the Brazilian won the ball back to turn over possession. His aggression ultimately led to Hojlund baring down on goal and hitting the post.

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There's a clear need for him to prove himself and there was no greater example than his long shot at goal midway through the first half. Maybe it was a little eager but it was positive and direct.

His ability to use either foot, as he feigned on one and hit it with the other, will also prove problematic for defenders.

After 35 minutes when his pass to Hojlund on the edge of the box didn't pay off, his verocious nature to win the ball back led to him earning the opportunity of a shot on goal. It was ultimately blocked but the desire was more promising than the end product.

Amorim stuck with his starting XI at half-time, resisting the urge to make wholesale changes to get as many minutes in as many different legs as possible. Perhaps a hint that he is finding his strongest XI already. Cunha is very much a part of that.

Just moments into the second half Cunha broke through the Hammers midfield, driving the ball forward more like a rugby player than a footballer. He did something similar against Leeds too.

That ability to be tough to tackle and burst through the ranks as United transition from defence to attack is something they desperately need.

And to prove his earlier defensive heroics weren't a fluke, on the hour mark he was sliding to win the ball again. His crucial touch was followed by Amad also sliding to win the ball. United won it back.

With the exception of the ever-exasperated Fernandes, it oftentimes felt last season as though only the young Ivory Coast international was the one willing to chase down every ball and put in the effort. Cunha is willing too.

While attitude question marks off the pitch remain, there is no doubting his voracious nature on it.

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