Manchester United legend Gary Neville was left utterly astounded by what he described as an "inexcusable" miss from forward Matheus Cunha during the Red Devils' 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, December 21st.
A Costly Miss From Close Range
The pivotal moment arrived in the second half at Villa Park. With United trailing 2-1 after Morgan Rogers had scored his second goal of the game just past the hour mark, the visitors crafted a golden opportunity for an equaliser. A brilliant pass from Mason Mount found Patrick Dorgu, who delivered a perfect cross into the six-yard box.
Finding himself with ample space and time, Brazilian striker Cunha, wearing the number 10 shirt, only needed to direct his header on target. Instead, he misdirected the effort into the ground, sending the ball bouncing harmlessly wide of the post. The chance to score his second goal of the match and secure a second equaliser had vanished.
Neville's Blunt Verdict on Sky Sports
Commentating for Sky Sports, a horrified Gary Neville did not hold back in his assessment. "Oh my goodness," he exclaimed. "You will have to go a long way to see a worse miss than that. It had to be a goal. It's an absolutely brilliant pass from Mount and a wonderful cross from Dorgu. On a plate. He's got no excuse, Cunha, he has to score."
The miss visibly devastated the player, who lay face down on the pitch until teammates rushed over to console him. Former United captain Roy Keane, analysing the game at full-time, echoed the sense of disbelief. "Absolutely brilliant delivery, as soon as it leaves his foot you're thinking [this is going to be a goal], and then there's no logic to it," Keane stated. "We can't even explain it. Sometimes for a player it is too easy. On target and it's a goal. Another big moment for United."
Consequences for United's Campaign
Following the missed opportunity, United were unable to mount another serious challenge, condemning them to a costly defeat. The loss meant Erik ten Hag's side squandered the chance to draw level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, who had stumbled in their own match at Newcastle United the previous day.
United's woes were compounded by a first-half injury to captain Bruno Fernandes, who was seen clutching his hamstring before being substituted for Lisandro Martinez at the break. Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the club would await a full analysis of the problem but indicated he was not currently looking to the January transfer market for a solution.
The result leaves Manchester United with significant ground to make up in the race for Champions League qualification, with individual errors and missed chances proving painfully expensive at a critical stage of the season.
