In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, shared on the official X account, the former Manchester United captain dissected how Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo caused chaos for Liverpoolâs defence during the 2â1 victory at Anfield. As reported by Softfootball, the winâsealed by a late Harry Maguire headerâmarked Unitedâs third straight league triumph under RĂșben Amorim, showcasing a new attacking sharpness led by Cunha and Mbeumo.
Ferdinand highlighted how both forwards drifted into half-spaces, forcing Liverpoolâs centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and breaking their defensive rhythm. Their constant interchanging made it difficult for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima KonatĂ© to decide whether to track tightly or hold their line.
Mbeumo, who Softfootball reported to be happy to get himself a brace in a 4â2 win against Brighton, has been electric since joining United, combining pace, precision, and positional fluidity that perfectly complements Cunhaâs creative instincts.
Ferdinand said on his podcast:
Centre-halves donât really want to go wide or step into midfield. Youâve got to take short, sharp steps in there â big centre-halves hate that. These guys drag you into those areas but still threaten to run in behind, so youâre constantly second-guessing. Youâre thinking, âIs he pulling me here to spin behind me, or to get the ball at his feet?â Itâs mental warfare for defenders.
He went on to describe how Unitedâs shape pins opponents down:
Mbeumo comes inside from the right, Cunha drifts from the left, and suddenly full-backs are stuck. Amadâs pushed up, the full-back canât help, and the centre-halfâs caught in no manâs land. You canât win â thatâs what makes them so dangerous.
Watch the video below:
With Amorimâs system giving both players licence to roam and combine, Cunha and Mbeumo have added unpredictability and pace to Unitedâs front line â qualities that make them a nightmare for even the best defenders in the league.
