Gary Neville can’t hide his disbelief after Matheus Cunha missed a brilliant chance to save Manchester United against Aston Villa
Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes there is “no excuse” for Matheus Cunha who missed a second-half header from close range against Aston Villa – his second chance to equalize in the game.
Moments after Morgan Rodgers had given Villa the lead, Cunha had already scored an equalizer just before half-time. However, United were unable to respond to the hosts and the Englishman was able to regain a 2-1 lead with 32 minutes remaining.
Moments later, United’s number 10 was given another chance to equalize for the second time. There was enough space in the six-yard box that Cunha misdirected his header into the ground, but it bounced off target.
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“Oh my god,” Neville reacted during commentary on Sky Sports, adding: “You’d have to go a long way to see a worse mistake than this.”
“(It) had to be a goal. It was a really great pass from (Mason) Mount and a great cross from (Patrick) Dorg on the plate.”
“He has no excuses, Cunha, he has to score.”
The Brazilian looked devastated at not taking advantage of his chances and lay face down on the pitch until teammates came to wake him up, both physically and figuratively.
After his mistake, United were unable to complete a comeback in the remaining minutes, missing out on a chance to level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea following their stumble against Newcastle United more than 24 hours earlier.
Commenting at full time, Roy Keane said: “This is where football drives people crazy.
“It was a really great shot. As soon as it left his feet you would think it was a goal, but there’s no logic to it. We can’t explain it either.
“He said it’s easier than a penalty here. He has five or six yards. Maybe only the players can explain that. Did he lose concentration with the ball going to his head?”
“Sometimes it’s too easy for the players. If it’s on target, it’s a goal. It’s another big moment for United.”
United had more problems before the half-time break when captain Bruno Fernandes felt apparent discomfort in his hamstring. The midfielder was eventually replaced by Lisandro Martinez.
Amorim has since stated that he will wait for a full analysis of the matter, but has already confirmed that he does not intend to participate in the January transfer window as a means of resolving long-term issues.
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