Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has admitted that Manchester United’s sheer physical dominance completely overwhelmed him and his teammates during their 2–1 defeat at Anfield.
In a brutally honest post-match interview, the Dutch international revealed that one United player’s power and authority disrupted Liverpool’s flow so much that they struggled to recover for the remainder of the match.
“Honestly, I’ve never seen that kind of physical power from a Manchester United player before,” Gravenberch confessed. “There were times we just couldn’t match his strength or control the tempo. He was everywhere — it was exhausting trying to stop him.”
To the surprise of many, Gravenberch wasn’t referring to Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes. Instead, he singled out Matheus Cunha, whose commanding display proved decisive in United’s victory under Rúben Amorim.
Cunha’s blend of aggression, tactical awareness, and physical control left Liverpool’s defense and midfield completely unsettled. Constantly alternating between pressing high and dropping deep, he used his body to dominate duels, link up play, and win key fouls that allowed United to slow the game down.
“We underestimated him,” Gravenberch admitted. “He wasn’t just strong — he was smart. He knew exactly when to use his body, and we just couldn’t get near him.”
Even Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged Cunha’s brilliance, calling his display “outstanding” and admitting that his strength and energy “gave United control of the match.”
Reports suggest Amorim had crafted a game plan to exploit Cunha’s physicality, instructing him to use his frame as a weapon to break Liverpool’s rhythm — a strategy that worked flawlessly.
Fans and pundits alike were quick to praise the Brazilian. United supporters dubbed him “a beast,” while even rival fans admitted he was “unplayable,” dominating battles against Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool’s midfield.
Under Amorim’s guidance, Cunha has evolved into a complete forward — powerful, intelligent, and relentless. Once doubted for his ability to handle the Premier League’s physicality, he now looks like one of its most dominant players.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand summed it up best: “You can see Amorim’s influence — Cunha’s fitter, stronger, and more confident. That was total domination at Anfield.”
For Liverpool, Gravenberch’s comments exposed a deeper vulnerability — their inability to cope with teams that combine physical power and tactical precision. “We needed to react faster,” he admitted, “but when someone plays like that, it’s almost impossible to stop.”
Cunha’s performance wasn’t just about strength — it was a statement of intent. On a night filled with tension and history, he proved that he’s not just part of Amorim’s system — he’s the engine driving it.
