Man Utd analysis: How Matheus Cunha could bring the ‘feel good’ factor back to Old Trafford
Matheus Cunha is set to be Manchester United’s first summer signing under Ruben Amorim.
According to Sky Sports, United are set to trigger the £62.5million release clause in his contract at the end of the season.
The Brazilian’s 33 goals and 14 assists for Wolverhampton Wanderers in all competitions has made an impact which has caught the eye of many teams since he arrived at Molineux in 2023.
Cunha is poised to be at Old Trafford next season, where there will be further spotlight upon the forward as United look to rebuild ahead of Amorim’s first full season, after a troubled campaign.
Transfer News Blitz’s writer Bilal Patel assesses how the 25-year-old will fare in a new environment and how other signings with huge expectations turned out for Man United.
Is Cunha the right fit?
There has been much discussion on where Cunha would end up, as clubs like Arsenal had previously gathered interest in the forward.
Someone like Cunha would be a good fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and could occupy one of the number 10 positions.
Goals have been a concern for United this season, with no one within their attacking ranks scoring more than 10 goals in the Premier League this season.
The ex-Atletico Madrid forward has 15 goals and 6 assists in 32 league games this season and has proven his quality in England’s top flight for multiple seasons now.
But with the current toxicity surrounding the club after United lost the Europa League final against fellow league strugglers Tottenham Hotspur, could someone like Cunha bring United back to its feet?
Cunha, who turns 26 at the end of May, has had temperament issues regarding past transfer speculation and was also ruled out for four league matches after headbutting Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup.
The question begs, can he handle the pressure to thrive at Old Trafford, joining from another Premier League side, like many have done.
Antonio Valencia - Wigan Athletic
In the summer of 2009, the same summer Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, Antonio Valencia made the switch from Wigan Athletic to Old Trafford.
The Ecuadorian won 9 honours for Manchester United and made 241 appearances in his 10 seasons at the club.
He was versatile and played as a winger and at full-back, proving to be a worthy signing.
Morgan Schneiderlin - Southampton
Man United brought in Morgan Schneiderlin for £25million in 2015 after an impressive previous stint for Southampton.
The defensive midfielder established himself in the Premier League and United came knocking on the door.
However, the French International failed to be a regular starter at Old Trafford and would later be sold to Everton in January 2017.
Mason Mount - Chelsea
The former Derby County midfielder signed from Chelsea ahead of the 2023/24 season for £55million.
Having played a huge part in winning the Champions League for the Blues, Mason Mount fell out of favour, but unfortunately, he could not rediscover his magic touch.
His time in Manchester had been marred with injuries but has looked to get back to his feet in recent times as he netted twice in United’s 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final.
Marouane Fellaini - Everton
The Red Devils signed Marouane Fellaini on deadline day 2013 in what was the first significant signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The Belgian would be reunited with David Moyes, with whom he played under during his time at Everton.
However, Moyes wouldn’t last a season as Fellaini ended up playing under five different managers during his six seasons at the club, as he won the FA Cup, Europa League and Community Shield in that time.
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Man United’s forward options
It will be interesting to see if United make more forward signings and how the squad shapes up next season.
There is uncertainty with the futures of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who were all sent out on loan this season.
With all three impressing at times with their respective loanee clubs, could Amorim recall the forwards after this season’s attacking struggles?
Whichever direction United go in, it’s an agonising time for all involved and someone like Cunha could break the patch and be one of the few recent signings to thrive in Manchester United colours.
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