Manchester United’s narrow 2–1 loss to Aston Villa has provoked a strong and uncompromising response from club icon Roy Keane, who did not hesitate to voice his dissatisfaction with aspects of United’s performance.
In particular, Keane focused his criticism on Matheus Cunha, identifying the forward as a central talking point in the aftermath of the defeat.
During his post-match analysis, Keane was visibly frustrated and questioned Cunha’s decision-making, suggesting it had a negative impact on the team at a critical moment.
According to the former United captain, certain choices made on the pitch reflected a lack of collective awareness.
“I always believed football is about playing for the team,” Keane remarked. “But today, Cunha’s decisions hurt Manchester United. Once players start prioritising themselves over the group, it creates serious problems.”
Those comments have since fueled widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike, with Cunha’s performance becoming one of the most heavily debated elements of United’s display at Villa Park.
A performance placed under intense scrutiny
From the opening stages, Cunha appeared eager to influence proceedings. He frequently demanded possession, drove forward with purpose, and attempted to inject urgency into United’s attack.
However, several key moments — particularly in attacking areas — attracted criticism. On multiple occasions, promising moves broke down due to hurried shots, inaccurate passes, or missed opportunities to bring teammates into play.
Keane argued that these moments disrupted United’s rhythm and ultimately contributed to their downfall.
“He clearly wanted to be the standout player,” Keane added. “But instead of helping the team push on, his decisions kept putting them under pressure. At this level, mistakes like that always come back to punish you.”
While Cunha was far from the only player to underperform, his display has come to represent wider concerns surrounding United’s composure and decision-making when the pressure is on.
Ruben Amorim faces an early leadership challenge
For Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, the fallout from the defeat presents an important test. The Portuguese manager is known for demanding structure, discipline, and accountability from his players, repeatedly emphasizing that reputation alone does not guarantee a starting role.
Keane aligned his views with that approach.
“Amorim has to respond,” Keane insisted. “If performances like that are allowed to slide, standards will drop quickly. No individual is bigger than Manchester United.”
Although Amorim has not publicly addressed Cunha’s display, reports suggest that the coaching staff are already reviewing the match internally, with particular focus on decision-making, tactical discipline, and adherence to instructions.
Fan reaction highlights rising frustration
Supporters reacted passionately to the defeat, with Cunha becoming a focal point of criticism across social media.
Many fans expressed concern that United’s attacking play lacked cohesion, pointing out that several promising attacks ended due to poor judgment in decisive moments.
Others urged a more measured response, noting that Cunha has been among United’s more energetic and creative attackers this season, and warning against judging him too harshly based on a single performance.
The divided reaction underlines the intense scrutiny placed on United’s attacking players and how quickly narratives can shift following disappointing results.
The bigger picture: a shared responsibility
Despite Cunha dominating headlines, many analysts have stressed that United’s defeat was the result of collective shortcomings.
Defensive errors, wasted chances, and an inability to control midfield transitions all contributed to the final outcome.
Keane himself acknowledged this broader context but remained firm that leadership and responsibility in key moments are what distinguish successful teams.
“At the highest level, matches are decided by fine margins,” he concluded. “When players make the wrong decisions, they have to be held accountable.”
What comes next
How United respond — both collectively and individually could be crucial. Amorim has built his reputation not only on demanding high standards but also on helping players learn from setbacks.
Cunha’s reaction to the criticism, and the manager’s handling of the situation, may prove pivotal in shaping his role within the squad going forward.
