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 Liverpoolās defence during the 2ā1 victory at Anfield. As reported by Softfootball, the wināsealed by a late Harry Maguire headerāmarked Unitedās third straight league triumph under RĆŗben Amorim, showcasing a new attacking sharpness led by Cunha and Mbeumo.
Ferdinand highlighted how both forwards drifted into half-spaces, forcing Liverpoolās centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and breaking their defensive rhythm. Their constant interchanging made it difficult for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima KonatĆ© to decide whether to track tightly or hold their line.
Mbeumo, who Softfootball reported to be happy to get himself a brace in a 4ā2 win against Brighton, has been electric since joining United, combining pace, precision, and positional fluidity that perfectly complements Cunhaās creative instincts.
Ferdinand said on his podcast:
Centre-halves donāt really want to go wide or step into midfield. Youāve got to take short, sharp steps in there ā big centre-halves hate that. These guys drag you into those areas but still threaten to run in behind, so youāre constantly second-guessing. Youāre thinking, āIs he pulling me here to spin behind me, or to get the ball at his feet?ā Itās mental warfare for defenders.
He went on to describe how Unitedās shape pins opponents down:
Mbeumo comes inside from the right, Cunha drifts from the left, and suddenly full-backs are stuck. Amadās pushed up, the full-back canāt help, and the centre-halfās caught in no manās land. You canāt win ā thatās what makes them so dangerous.
Watch the video below:
With Amorimās system giving both players licence to roam and combine, Cunha and Mbeumo have added unpredictability and pace to Unitedās front line ā qualities that make them a nightmare for even the best defenders in the league.
