Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch admits as he names the one Manchester United star with extraordinary strength right now

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has admitted that Manchester United’s physical dominance completely caught him and his teammates off guard during their painful 2–1 defeat at Anfield. Speaking emotionally after the match, the Dutchman confessed that one United player’s sheer power and control disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm so much that they struggled to recover throughout the game.

“Honestly, I’ve never seen such strength from a Manchester United player before,” Gravenberch revealed. “There were moments when we just couldn’t manage the game’s tempo because of him — he was everywhere, and it made things really difficult for us.”

Surprisingly, Gravenberch wasn’t referring to Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes but to Matheus Cunha — United’s explosive Brazilian attacker who delivered one of his finest performances since joining under Ruben Amorim. His mix of pace, aggression, and tactical awareness left Liverpool’s midfield in disarray.

Cunha played in a fluid role that allowed him to alternate between pressing from the front and dropping deep to link play. His power and energy made him a nightmare to contain. Gravenberch admitted that Liverpool “underestimated” how much Cunha had improved under Amorim’s coaching, saying the forward wasn’t just strong but also “intelligent with how he uses his body.” At one point, he recalled exchanging glances with Alexis Mac Allister in disbelief, realizing they couldn’t get near him.

Cunha’s dominance was obvious — he held up play, shrugged off challenges, and helped United dictate the tempo after halftime. Even Liverpool boss Arne Slot had to acknowledge the Brazilian’s impact. “Cunha’s performance was exceptional,” Slot said. “His strength, confidence, and energy changed the game. We couldn’t find a way to stop him.”

Behind the scenes, it was revealed that Amorim had specifically designed a tactical plan centered around Cunha. The manager encouraged him to use his strength to disrupt Liverpool’s structure and create openings. According to training sources, Amorim told Cunha to act like a “wrecking ball,” using his body to draw fouls, hold off defenders, and relieve pressure — a plan that worked perfectly.

Cunha’s display quickly became the talk of social media. Fans described him as “built different,” with many praising how he bullied Liverpool’s midfield and set the tone for United’s intensity. Even rival supporters admitted he was “unplayable,” overpowering Virgil van Dijk and leaving Liverpool’s midfielders second-guessing themselves.

Under Amorim, Cunha has transformed into a complete modern forward — strong, tireless, and tactically sharp. When he arrived, many doubted his ability to adapt to the Premier League’s physical nature, but Amorim’s training and system have unlocked his full potential. Former United star Rio Ferdinand praised the transformation, saying, “You can see Amorim’s influence — Cunha’s fitter, stronger, and hungrier. That performance at Anfield was pure dominance.”

For Liverpool, Gravenberch’s admission exposed a worrying issue — a lack of physical balance in midfield when facing high-intensity opponents. “We needed to be tighter and more aggressive,” he admitted. “But when someone plays with that much power and timing, it’s almost impossible to stop.”

Matheus Cunha’s display wasn’t just about strength — it was a statement that Manchester United have found a new leader in attack. Against one of the Premier League’s strongest teams, he showed a blend of muscle, intelligence, and determination that signaled a turning point under Amorim. As one United fan put it after the match, “Cunha was the difference. If he keeps playing like that, no one can stop us.”