Forget Cunha: Man Utd star is looking like their new Marcus Rashford
Manchester United kick-started 2026 in underwhelming fashion, playing out a 1-1 draw away to bitter rivals Leeds United at Elland Road.
Ruben Amorim started the game with six defenders, including Patrick Dorgu as a number 10 amidst some attacking absences, although his side struggled to create many chances going forward.
That was certainly apparent from the match stats. Across the 90 minutes, the Red Devils only managed to accumulate an expected goals tally of 1.46 xG, not much more than the home side notched up. Leeds overachieved on their total, which was 0.92 xG by full-time.
Cagey would be a good way of describing the affair, with both sides attacking in spells rather than the game being very open. It took until just after the hour mark for the opening goal to go in, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting the post in the first half being the best chance up until that point.
The goals came within three minutes of each other. Brenden Aaronson put Leeds ahead, but United hit back almost immediately through Matheus Cunha. Benjamin Sesko had a golden opportunity to win it a little later on, but neither side’s defences could be breached again, and United had to settle for a point.
A couple of United’s attackers really stood out, despite the result.
Man United's best attackers vs. Leeds
There were two standout players in Red at Elland Road. One of those was goalscorer Cunha. The Brazilian got himself on the scoresheet to bag United’s equaliser, but was a real livewire outside of that moment.
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The goal itself was a very well-taken finish. Cunha ran onto a pass into the Leeds box and fired home first-time on his right foot. It was a large part of why Goal journalist Richard Martin gave him a 7/10 post-match rating.
The Red Devils’ number 10 was not their only standout attacker. Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench and had a fantastic impact. The silky Dutch attacker set up Cunha with a perfectly weighted pass, just his second touch since coming off the bench.
However, his contributions went a lot further than just teeing up his teammate for United’s equaliser. The attacker was constantly involved in linking up play, always providing a final third threat and causing issues for the Leeds defenders. That was best highlighted in the fact that he created two chances in less than 30 minutes on the pitch.
It was not just Cunha and Zirkzee who stood out at Elland Road, though.
United have found a new Rashford-like figure
At the other end of the pitch, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven shone once again.
True, he was involved in Aaronson’s goal, which gave the home side the lead, with the American getting ahead of him and running in behind.
Aside from that, the teenager once again played like someone with a decade of experience at the highest level. One person who Heaven impressed was football writer Paul Kwestel who wrote that “it’s insane how good Ayden Heaven is”.
The numbers Heaven put up at Elland Road showed how well he played. The defender had 70 touches and completed 83% of his passes. Defensively, he was superb, winning four tackles and six duels.
Heaven key stats vs. Leeds
Stat
Number
Pass accuracy
83%
Touches
71
Ground duels won
5/6
Tackles won
4/5
Ball recoveries
3
Aerial duels won
1
Stats from Sofascore
There is a case to be made that Heaven’s performances at the moment are reminiscent of Marcus Rashford when he first broke into the first team at Old Trafford.
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Of course, the Wythenshawe-born star was shining up front rather than in defence, but the similarity is still there.
In the ex-Arsenal academy star, United have a top young talent, who has cemented his spot in the side and has now started the last seven Premier League games. Just as Rashford did when he first broke through, Heaven is making a huge impact at a very young age.
It must be pleasing for United fans to see the youngster performing at such a high level already. He has stepped up in Matthijs de Ligt’s absence, and, just like Rashford did a decade ago, continues to have a big impact on the United first-team.
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