Gravenberch Admits Manchester United’s Power “Shocked” Liverpool at Anfield
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has sparked headlines after an unusually candid admission in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2–1 home defeat to Manchester United, revealing that one United star’s sheer physical dominance “completely disrupted” the Reds’ rhythm at Anfield.
In an emotional post-match interview, the Dutchman confessed that he had “never faced a player with such unbelievable strength” in a United shirt.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a player with that kind of power,” Gravenberch told reporters. “At some point, we couldn’t even control the tempo of the game because of him — he was everywhere and made everything difficult for us.”
Surprisingly, Gravenberch wasn’t referring to Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, or Mason Mount — but rather Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward who delivered a powerhouse display under Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup.
Cunha’s Dominant Display
Cunha, signed by United last summer, was the standout performer on the pitch. Operating in a fluid role between false nine and attacking midfielder, he combined explosive pace with relentless pressing and physicality that left Liverpool’s midfield struggling to cope.
“He’s not just strong — he’s smart,” Gravenberch added. “He used his body perfectly. Every time we tried to press, he’d turn, shield the ball, and drive forward. At one point, I looked at Alexis (Mac Allister) and we both just shook our heads — we couldn’t get near him.”
Cunha’s influence was evident throughout, shrugging off defenders, winning duels, and initiating key transitions that tilted the match in United’s favor.
Slot’s Frustration and Praise
Liverpool boss Arne Slot echoed that assessment, conceding that Cunha’s physical dominance was pivotal.
“You have to give credit where it’s due,” Slot said after the game. “Cunha’s performance was exceptional. His strength and confidence on the ball made a big difference. We struggled to contain him, and that gave United momentum.”
Slot admitted that United’s high press and Amorim’s system “disrupted Liverpool’s structure completely,” describing Cunha as the “engine” of United’s game plan.
Inside Amorim’s Masterplan
Reports suggest that Amorim specifically designed his tactical setup to exploit Liverpool’s midfield vulnerabilities, giving Cunha a “free role” to physically impose himself and relieve pressure in key moments.
A source told The Athletic: “Amorim wanted Cunha to act like a wrecking ball — holding off defenders, drawing fouls, and creating chaos. It worked perfectly. His power gave United breathing space every time they needed it.”
Fans React: “Built Different”
Cunha’s performance set social media alight, with fans — even rivals — stunned by his power and control.
- “Cunha bullied Liverpool’s midfield like it was Sunday league,” one fan wrote.
- Another added: “Gravenberch said it best — Cunha is built different.”
- A third joked: “Van Dijk couldn’t stop him, Mac Allister couldn’t stop him — who can?”
Even pundits joined in, with Rio Ferdinand praising Amorim’s work:
“You can see the transformation. Cunha looks fitter, stronger, and hungrier — that’s what United have been missing.”
Liverpool’s Midfield Concerns
Gravenberch’s remarks also exposed deeper cracks in Liverpool’s midfield balance. The Reds struggled to match United’s intensity and physicality, something Slot will have to address quickly.
“We needed to be more compact and aggressive,” Gravenberch admitted. “But when someone uses their body like that — timing everything perfectly — it’s hard to stop.”
A Statement Performance
Matheus Cunha’s display wasn’t just a standout moment — it was a statement. Against one of the Premier League’s top sides, he showed power, intelligence, and maturity in equal measure.
Gravenberch’s praise only confirms what many United fans already believe: under Amorim, a new attacking powerhouse is emerging.
As one supporter put it after the match:
“Cunha was the difference. If he keeps playing like that, there’s no stopping us.”
