Matheus Cunha became Manchester United’s first signing of the summer transfer window at the beginning of June.
Manchester United paid £62.5 million for Matheus Cunha, after activating his Wolves release clause, and it will be issued in three instalments.
Cunha impressed at Wolves last season as he finished the Premier League campaign with 15 goals and six assists to his name. That saw the Brazilian emerge as one of the best attackers in the league.
The former Wolves star joins a United side that struggled to score goals last season.
That is why United are still in the market for attacking additions, even if it spells uncertainty for the future of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
Cunha is likely to play as a No. 10 for United, and he will be part of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the upcoming pre-season tour in the United States.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty ImagesPaul Ince backs Matheus Cunha to score goals for Man Utd
One of the biggest improvements Amorim will demand from his team next season is goals.
Manchester United were nowhere near prolific enough in front of goal last season, and it was an issue that existed for a lot of Erik ten Hag’s reign as manager.
Now, Amorim plans to solve it by adding Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo to their list of new signings, along with a new striker to lead the line.
United have made a second bid to sign Mbeumo, and it is understood that progress is being made on the deal.
Reflecting on the addition of Cunha, former United midfielder Paul Ince told United In Focus that the Brazilian reminds him of former Chelsea star Diego Costa.
Ince also backed Cunha to provide goals for the Red Devils but warned United need more signings to see a positive difference next term.
“He [Matheus Cunha] brings goals,” Ince said.
“He brings a physical aspect. He’s very, very good on the ball. He’s very good at carrying the ball from deep positions. He’s one of those players who plays on the edge. He reminds me a bit of Diego Costa, when he was at Chelsea, that type of player.
“You’ve seen from his disciplinary record, he could easily fly off the handle, which is no good when you play for United, because you need him on the pitch. He’s a very, very good player, and he can also play up front.
“We’re not just saying he’s a 10. He can play up front after scoring 17 goals last season. And he’s a man. He’s a beast of a figure.
“I think it’s a really good acquisition for Manchester United. But as I said, it’s going to take four or five more than just him. The midfield needs to be sorted out. If they get in Mbeumo, that would be a good move, but he could be going to Tottenham.
“I always think you have to build your team on the core of the team, which is down the middle. Your centre-backs, two midfielders and your striker. United are not at that stage but Cunha is definitely a great acquisition.”
When will Cunha play for United for the first time?
Once Cunha links up with his new teammates at Carrington in the coming weeks, the 26-year-old will begin preparations to make his first appearance for the club.
Cunha will have to wait until August 17 before he can make his first competitive appearance for the club, but he is expected to feature in United’s pre-season games this summer.
Manchester United pre-season fixtures
- Leeds in Stockholm
- West Ham in New Jersey
- Bournemouth in Chicago
- Everton in Atlanta
- Fiorentina in Manchester
United’s first pre-season friendly takes place in Sweden, where they take on Leeds United. It remains to be seen if Cunha will feature in that game or if he’ll be kept for the US tour. The third game against Bournemouth provides a chance for United fans to see the new home kit in action for the first time.
- Paul Ince spoke ahead of the final #RifeDontMiss Challenge, celebrating the launch of the new RIFE Black Edition putters. To register for the final qualifier and be in with a chance of winning £50,000, sign up here.