“We were not prepared for him” – Gibbs-White reveals the United player that shocked Nottingham Forest today.
Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White couldn’t disguise his disbelief following today’s match, and his response said it all. Before the game, their whole defensive strategy was centered on stopping Bryan Mbeumo. The Forest squad spent hours analyzing his runs, positioning, and link-up play. The message was clear: stop Mbeumo and Manchester United.
However, football has a way of humiliating your assumptions.
Because the player who ripped Nottingham Forest apart today was not Mbeumo. It was not Amad Diallo. It was not Bruno. It was not Rashford. It was someone utterly different—someone Forest scarcely mentioned.
Gibbs-White admitted it explicitly after the game:
> “We believed Mbeumo was the risk. But this guy… I’ve never seen a player so aggressive, relentless, and eager. He stunned all of us today.”
So, who was he talking about?
Matheus Cunha.
Many supporters remained skeptical of Cunha. Critics claimed Cunha lacked finishing consistency. The same Cunha who arrived at Old Trafford with questions hovering over him.
Today, those questions were answered.
Cunha did not only play; he tormented Nottingham Forest.
He pressed as if his life depended on it.
He intimidated defenders.
He chased every ball.
He fought each duel.
He converted half-chances into full-fledged threats.
He moved with the zeal of a forward.
Forest defenders attempted to foul, drag, and outmuscle him, but none of it worked.
He kept coming back. Harder. Faster. Angrier.
Gibbs-White stated it clearly:
> “I’ve faced many top strikers in this league, but what I saw tonight was unique. The violence was incredible. He never stopped. “He never gave us time to breathe.”
This is more than simply a striker scoring goals.
This is a striker that sets the tone for his squad.
For years, United fans have cried out for this type of player:
Someone who presses without being informed.
Someone who pretends to carry the badge within his chest.
Someone who draws the squad into the conflict.
Cunha did more than just play football today; he declared war on the pitch.
The shock was written on the faces of Nottingham Forest players from start to finish.
Mbeumo may have made headlines recently.
Amad may be the fan favourite.
Bruno may wear the armband.
What about today?
Matheus Cunha owned the stadium.
He dominated the match.
He dominated the bout.
This was his message for the Premier League:
“I’m here.” And I am not playing friendly.”
Manchester United may have just discovered their new heartbeat—
And the rest of the league best be prepared.
xz
