Manchester United vs Everton: €70 Million Star Cunha Struggles and Could Lose Starting Role

In the third round of the new Premier League season, the Red Devils faced Everton away from home. After an intense match, Manchester United drew 2-2 with their opponents. Without Sesko's impressive late performance and crucial goal that rescued the team, Manchester United could have faced defeat.

Throughout the match, Manchester United's overall performance was relatively stable. They controlled the tempo for most of the game and once took a 1-0 lead. However, the team ultimately failed to secure victory and lost three valuable points. Behind the draw, the poor performance of one player attracted criticism, with that player being highly anticipated and expensive striker Cunha.

Looking at the match as a whole, Manchester United's overall running, defending, and tactical execution were at a normal level. The only starter who disappointed was Cunha. He produced almost no highlights during the game, and his poor form directly affected the team's attacking and defensive efficiency.

In this match, Cunha started as the center forward and played 70 minutes but failed to leave a strong impression. According to the statistics, he had only 42 touches and made 11 possession losses, showing poor stability when receiving the ball. These frequent mistakes not only disrupted the team's attacking rhythm but also affected midfield passing combinations, forcing many of Manchester United's smooth advances to break down.

In attack, Cunha also failed to demonstrate the qualities expected of a center forward. He managed only two shots, neither of which hit the target, and created no scoring threat for the team. In aerial duels, he repeatedly came out second best and failed to complete basic tasks such as acting as a target player, holding up the ball with his back to goal, and stretching the defense. His presence inside the penalty area was extremely limited, making it seem as if Manchester United were playing with one fewer player.

With the new season now underway, Cunha, valued at as much as €70 million, has still not found his form. After three rounds, he has no goals or assists, and his performances have been compared with those of former Manchester United player Martial. Both have been criticized for lacking impact in key matches, experiencing inconsistent form, and insufficient involvement, with a noticeable gap between wages and performances.

In contrast, substitute Sesko made a strong impression. Sesko actively contributed in both attack and defense, showed intelligent movement, and scored an equalizer in the 88th minute, proving his ability in a short period of time. The clear difference between their performances further suggests that Cunha's current form may not yet suit the team's starting rhythm.

In conclusion, Cunha's current competitive form, mentality, and tactical compatibility are not enough to fully support a starting role. For Manchester United manager Carrick, adjustments may be needed, including giving opportunities to substitutes who are in better form and more efficient. Otherwise, the team's prospects for the new season will remain a concern.