Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has openly admitted that Manchester United’s physical dominance completely stunned him and his teammates during their painful 2–1 defeat at Anfield.
Speaking candidly after the final whistle, the Dutch international confessed that one Manchester United player’s raw strength and commanding presence threw Liverpool off their rhythm so severely that they struggled to regain control for the rest of the match.
“Honestly, I’ve never seen that kind of physical power from a Manchester United player before,” Gravenberch said with visible frustration.
“There were moments when we couldn’t manage the pace or tempo of the game because of him — he seemed to be everywhere at once. It made things really difficult for us.”
To the surprise of many, Gravenberch wasn’t referring to powerhouse midfielders like Casemiro or playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
Instead, the player in question was Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward who produced arguably his most complete performance since joining United under Rúben Amorim.
Blending aggression, strength, and tactical discipline, Cunha’s display left Liverpool’s midfield and defense completely unsettled.
Operating in a flexible role, Cunha constantly switched between pressing high and dropping deep to link up play. His power, combined with clever movement and tireless work rate, made him a nightmare to contain.
Gravenberch admitted that Liverpool had underestimated Cunha’s development since Amorim’s arrival, noting that “he wasn’t just strong, he was smart — he used his body in the right way at the right moments.”
He even recalled a moment of disbelief shared with teammate Alexis Mac Allister, saying, “We just couldn’t get close to him.”
Cunha’s influence was evident throughout the game. He held up possession under pressure, absorbed challenges, and allowed United to dictate the tempo, especially in the second half.
Even Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged his dominance afterward, admitting, “Cunha’s performance was outstanding. His confidence, strength, and energy gave United control. We simply couldn’t find a solution.”
Reports later revealed that Amorim had designed a tactical setup specifically to maximize Cunha’s impact. During training, the manager urged him to use his body as a “weapon” — to win fouls, shield the ball, and disrupt Liverpool’s defensive shape.
That plan worked to perfection, with Cunha acting as the physical anchor United needed in a high-pressure match.
Social media erupted with admiration for the Brazilian’s display. Manchester United fans hailed him as “a beast,” praising how he dominated Liverpool’s midfield and defense with relentless intensity.
Even rival supporters admitted that Cunha was “unplayable,” noting how he outmuscled Virgil van Dijk and consistently forced errors from Liverpool’s usually composed midfield.
Under Amorim, Cunha has transformed into a complete modern forward — a player who combines strength, intelligence, and tactical awareness.
When he first arrived in England, many doubted his ability to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
But Amorim’s coaching has reshaped him into a dominant force capable of dictating games through both power and precision.
Former United star Rio Ferdinand captured it perfectly: “You can see Amorim’s influence all over him. Cunha’s sharper, stronger, and hungrier. That was pure dominance at Anfield.”
For Liverpool, Gravenberch’s admission highlighted a deeper concern their lack of physical balance and composure when facing high-intensity opponents.
“We needed to close spaces faster and be more aggressive,” he admitted. “But when someone plays with that much power and control, it’s almost impossible to stop.”
Matheus Cunha’s performance wasn’t just about strength it was a statement of intent. Against one of the league’s most formidable teams, he showcased a blend of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership that marked a defining moment in his United career.
As one fan summarized online, “Cunha was the difference. If he keeps playing like this, no one in the Premier League can stop us.”
