Rio Ferdinand believes Matheus Cunha could 'catch fire' for Manchester United after his match-winning brace against Roma in the Champions League. Michael Carrick's side came from 2-0 down to clinch a 3-2 win over the Serie A team at Old Trafford, ending a nine-game winless run.
A penalty from Bruno Fernandes sparked the comeback before Cunha scored two late goals to secure victory. The Brazilian had scored just two goals in all competitions prior to Tuesday's win.
Ferdinand's verdict on Cunha
'I think for Cunha this could be liftoff where he starts to catch fire,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. 'I think he's a hugely talented footballer and he showed glimpses, especially last season.'
'Could this be the game that unlocks him? Because I haven't seen it enough yet with him. You see moments, and you go, "Oh, look at that, that's why we paid the big money for him", but not enough.'
Ferdinand praised the 28-year-old's work rate, noting his intensity off the ball. 'He was chasing, he was harrying, he ended up getting sent off for doing just that, which was a little bit immature, but the intention that he had all through the game, I thought, set him up to put him in a position to be able to have that chance and finish.'
Mainoo's importance highlighted
Ferdinand also praised the returning Kobbie Mainoo, suggesting the midfielder needs to be the centrepiece of Carrick's team. 'Whilst he was out injured, they lost five games, so it tells you he's got an importance within this team,' Ferdinand added.
'I think it's the control that he brings, that calmness under pressure, taking the ball in all difficult areas, in different phases of the pitch, I think is important.'
Ferdinand stressed the need to keep Mainoo fit, especially with Baleba out with a hamstring injury. 'You need to make him a centrepiece of this team, and the data's telling you that he has huge importance for this team if we're going to go and do anything and win any games.'
