Van Dijk Left Stunned by “Unplayable” Manchester United Star
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made a surprising admission following his team’s dramatic 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield, revealing that one United player left him and his teammates “in disbelief” with a performance that bordered on unstoppable.
In a post-match interview that quickly went viral, the Dutch defender confessed:
“Even now, I’m still trying to understand how he managed to play like that at Anfield. He performed as if it was a cup final — honestly, he was the only Manchester United player who nearly gave me a heart attack.”
Many expected van Dijk to single out Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford, but instead, he named a different Red Devil — Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward, who has been thriving under Rúben Amorim, delivered a powerhouse display that disrupted Liverpool’s usually composed defensive line with his energy, strength, and fearless attacking play.
Van Dijk admitted that even his defensive partner Ibrahima Konaté struggled to keep up:
“At one point, even Konaté didn’t want to mark him. You could see it — he was that sharp, that confident, that powerful. He played without fear.”
The Forward Who Tormented Liverpool’s Defence
Cunha’s performance at Anfield was nothing short of electric. From the opening whistle, the Brazilian led the charge — pressing high, holding off defenders, and constantly dragging Liverpool’s backline out of position.
He dropped deep to collect the ball, turned sharply under pressure, and launched counterattacks that left Liverpool exposed. His tireless pressing and physical presence were as vital as his attacking instincts.
Van Dijk, renowned for his composure and strength, admitted he rarely faces an opponent combining so much speed, power, and intelligence in one package:
“You play against fast players, you play against strong players — but this one had everything. He pressed us, turned under pressure, linked up well — it was exhausting. He made us uncomfortable from start to finish.”
Liverpool’s Dressing Room “Couldn’t Stop Talking About Him”
According to reports from The Telegraph, Cunha’s name dominated post-match discussions inside the Liverpool dressing room.
Teammates Alisson Becker and Dominik Szoboszlai were said to be particularly impressed by how the forward repeatedly broke down their defensive rhythm.
A club insider revealed:
“Even after the final whistle, van Dijk and a few others were still talking about him. They said he played with a hunger that made it feel like a cup final. They agreed he was the main reason they couldn’t build from the back.”
One player reportedly joked:
“We didn’t know if we were playing Manchester United or Matheus Cunha FC — he was everywhere.”
Rúben Amorim’s Tactical Masterstroke
Much of the credit for Cunha’s resurgence goes to Rúben Amorim, whose bold tactical tweaks have transformed United’s attack.
At Anfield, Amorim granted Cunha a free-roaming forward role, allowing him to drift between Liverpool’s midfield and defence — constantly finding space and unsettling the hosts’ structure.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand hailed the plan as “brilliantly fearless”:
“Cunha wasn’t just a striker — he was a disruptor. Amorim gave him freedom, and he used it perfectly. Liverpool couldn’t figure out how to deal with him.”
That faith has paid off. Cunha’s blend of strength, skill, and tactical awareness has made him one of the first names on Amorim’s teamsheet — and one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards.
Van Dijk’s Honest Reflection: “You Have to Respect That”
Despite the defeat, van Dijk spoke with class, praising Cunha’s display rather than making excuses.
“As a defender, you respect players who push you to your limits. I can admit when someone has an incredible game — and he did. He was everywhere, and we couldn’t find an answer. Sometimes football is like that — you meet someone who just won’t stop.”
The usually stoic Liverpool captain also acknowledged the surprise factor:
“We prepared for their wingers, we prepared for Bruno — but this guy was the shock. He controlled the game in a way we didn’t expect. Full credit to him.”
Fans React: “Cunha Owned Anfield”
Fans quickly flooded social media with reactions to van Dijk’s comments, many celebrating Cunha’s performance as one of the standout displays of the season.
One Manchester United fan wrote:
“If van Dijk says you gave him a heart attack, that’s the ultimate compliment. Amorim’s system is pure gold.”
Another added:
“He bullied one of the best defenders in the world and made it look effortless — that’s a statement performance.”
Even Liverpool supporters showed respect:
“You’ve got to hand it to him. He was outstanding — we just couldn’t stop him.”
Cunha’s Rise Under Amorim
Cunha’s performance at Anfield capped off a remarkable run of form since Amorim’s arrival. After a slow start to life at Old Trafford, the Brazilian has evolved into one of United’s most complete forwards — blending flair with ferocious work rate and composure.
His physicality and mentality have drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, both known for terrorizing defenders in big games. Many United fans now believe Amorim has found his perfect No. 9 — a striker capable of leading the line with authority and confidence.
The Final Word
Virgil van Dijk’s candid comments underline the growing influence of Matheus Cunha in English football.
In a match where Liverpool were expected to dominate, it was Cunha who stole the spotlight — not with tricks or showboating, but with power, intelligence, and relentless drive.
His performance has echoed beyond Old Trafford, reaching even the halls of Anfield — and that says everything about his impact.
As van Dijk put it, with a grin:
“He nearly gave me a heart attack. You just have to respect that kind of performance.”
