Wolves may have secured the win on the scoreboard, but Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha left the match with one Manchester United player fresh in his mind for all the right reasons. In a surprisingly honest post-game moment, Cunha admitted that while his team walked away with three points, one young United star made life incredibly difficult for him and his teammates across the 90 minutes.
Cunha revealed that he had never faced anyone quite like this before. The player in question didn’t score, didn’t grab the headlines, but left a lasting impression through sheer determination, fearless runs, and unrelenting pressure. The Wolves forward described him as dangerously aggressive, direct, and constantly causing problems for their defence. According to Cunha, it was the type of performance that forced Wolves to stay on high alert from start to finish.
Interestingly, Cunha wasn’t referring to the usual suspects like the lively Alejandro Garnacho or any of United’s recent high-profile signings. The praise was reserved for 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who once again showed why he’s considered one of the brightest young talents in English football. Despite his age, Mainoo played with maturity and courage that set him apart on the night.
From the very start of the game, Mainoo made his presence felt. He surged forward with purpose, comfortably gliding past challenges and linking up play with clever passes that unsettled Wolves’ defensive shape. Unlike many youngsters who might choose to play it safe, Mainoo constantly looked to drive at the heart of the opposition, press high up the pitch, and take risks that many more experienced players would shy away from.
What impressed Cunha the most wasn’t just the technical ability but the mentality. He noted how Mainoo never hesitated, never slowed down, and approached every ball, every run, and every duel with the same fearless intensity. His bravery and relentless work ethic turned him into a real problem for Wolves throughout the encounter.
Even though United couldn’t get the result they wanted, Mainoo’s name echoed around the stadium, not just from fans but from teammates feeding off his energy. Whether it was breaking up play in midfield, sparking counterattacks, or arriving late in the box to support the forwards, he played with an urgency and authority that belied his years.
For a player still finding his feet at senior level, this performance was a clear message: he’s not here to fill gaps, he’s here to be a leader. The respect from an experienced professional like Cunha speaks volumes. Having faced top midfielders across Europe, Cunha admitting he’s never dealt with someone like Mainoo before highlights just how special the teenager’s rise is becoming.
Manchester United supporters will be buzzing, and if performances like this continue, it won’t be long before other Premier League teams start building plans specifically to contain Kobbie Mainoo — assuming they can figure out how.
