Another source stated that the squad felt the display was “much better” than how United performed in most Old Trafford matches last season. The sentiment was echoed by Premier League icon Shearer, who has not shied away from criticising both United and Ruben Amorim in the past.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast with Gary Lineker and Miach Richards, the Newcastle legend said: “I think for me the two standouts [were Cunha and Mbeumo].
“Cunha was very good and Mbeumo was excellent. They brought a bit of unpredictability, they brought a bit of a spark and a bit of life to Manchester United.
“I do think that there was definitely more energy to the game, they certainly looked more organised, but you would feel more comfortable if they had a goalkeeper in there who you could rely on.”
Amorim also highlighted United’s enhanced intensity levels as he praised the display. He said: “It’s more about the intensity our players play at, if they are brave, if they are talented, if they are powerful. We show a little bit more than that.
“We have a lot to do and have to focus on the next one. I think also, they understand better the way we have to do it.
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“They are prepared to do it physically and they want to help each other. That is a very good feeling. Sometimes, you can see one guy missing one run or one pass and you feel the team is all together.”
Nevertheless, Shearer warned that United must bring in a new keeper if they are to make real progress this campaign, with doubts lingering over mistake-prone duo Bayindir and Andre Onana. United have been linked with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Shearer added: “I think if they don’t get that, then that could be their downfall. It remains to be seen if anything happens in the next couple of weeks. But in terms of general play, I thought it was a lot better from Manchester United.”
The Red Devils travel to Fulham on Sunday seeking their first points of the campaign.