Matheus Cunha was Man United’s key man in Bournemouth draw | OneFootball

Manchester United found frustration on the south coast as hosts Bournemouth fought back to earn a 2-2 draw.

The Red Devils showed purpose and promise in the first half but failed to score, then saw two leads blown in the second half.

A Bruno Fernandes penalty was cancelled out by a Bournemouth breakaway, and the own goal which restored United’s advantage was matched by a spot kick for the hosts which saw the game end honours even.

Cunha a bright spark

Going ahead twice and emerging with a draw is bound to cause consternation, but United did a lot of things well at the Vitality Stadium.

For long periods Michael Carrick’s side had an urgency about them which has been missing in recent weeks, and key to this was Matheus Cunha.

Playing down the left the Brazilian completed two of four attempted dribbles, the joint-most of anyone on the pitch.

As well as getting a snap shot on target and putting one wide, Cunha was the man fouled to win his side the penalty which Fernandes converted to open the scoring.

Only the captain saw more of the ball than Cunha, who took 55 touches and attempted 36 passes. Twenty-nine of them found their man, working out as an 81% accuracy rate.

Cunha was one of five United men to make a single key pass, and he was on target with the only long ball he attempted. He also found his man with one of three attempted crosses.

Contributions at both ends

A constant thorn in Bournemouth’s side, the 26-year-old won seven duels of ten contested.

This included winning all three of his aerial battles, and four of seven on the ground. No player matched these impressive figures.

The Brazilian also mucked in at the back with four defensive contributions. He made one clearance, one interception and one tackle, and blocked a singular shot.

Matheus Cunha vs. Bournemouth

United will be eager to get back to winning ways but must wait 24 days for their clash with Leeds United. Cunha was the pick of Carrick’s attackers today, so should be nailed on to start against United’s Yorkshire rivals at Old Trafford in April.

Stats taken from sofascore.

Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images

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