On camera, Ruben told us: “People say that he came here because of the money, that is a lie.” He was strong on that, and wanted everyone to know it. With Cunha, I don’t think it’s ever been in doubt. From the moment he signed, his deep affection for the club has shone through. It’s why as fans we were so happy to see him get that goal, and at Old Trafford in an important victory, too.
But it wasn’t just the goal, just as his Anfield performance didn’t need one to be admired. It’s the combination of work ethic and flair. It’s a certain spirit that draws a certain response. The noise around me in the Stretford End as Cunha tracked back to produce a crucial challenge on Brighton’s Mats Wieffer showed how much that quality is loved. By us, and by Ruben, too.
“Cunha did a great job defending and was completely different from the first games,” he said, post-match.
Cunha’s performance reminded me of something else Amorim had said to us, back in summer.
“Sometimes we have to look at the past, what was the reason for all the success. Of course, the football changed, the world changed, but there are some things that we can get from that. I think that is the spirit of the players. When I’m going to Old Trafford and we show a good performance, I feel the excitement of everybody. The fans deserve to have guys like Matheus and Bruno that can lift that place.”
Hence the immediate love for Cunha, the banner, and the huge cheers.
