Matheus Cunha - Ruben Amorim's man
- Christian Paris
- May 5
- 5 min read
Updated: May 6
With the 24/25 season almost running its course, the typical buzzing excitement around the football world ahead of the opening of this summer's transfer window on June 1 gives clubs the chance to reset, replenish or replace.
For Manchester United, it looks set to be the case of all three.
A dire Premier League campaign for the Red Devil’s has seen the giant fall into the bottom half, once struggling under Erik ten Hag, the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November last year has seen familiar problems arise amid the typical rumour mill at Old Trafford.
It has been made clear six months into Amorim’s tenure improvements need to be made, across the board. Speaking of, INEOS have reiterated their support of the Portuguese despite glaring issues on the pitch, with key acquisitions required to suit his specific 3-4-3 setup.
The question is, how many positions can be reinforced this summer, rather than the areas that need to be. United’s financial worries have been well documented, and the full focus has geared towards such a critical end to the Europa League, with an impressive 3-0 win at San Mames in their semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao putting Amorim’s side in a strong position to reach the final.
A potential £11m worth of prize money could yet be won by the two sides who make the final, having already accrued over £10m for reaching the final four, though despite these supposed struggles, INEOS and co are finding no issue activating the £62.5m release clause of Wolves star, Matheus Cunha.
Noise has accelerated of interest in the Brazilian forward in recent weeks, and that a deal is close to agreement, and if it comes to fruition, we must ponder what would it mean for Amorim and the future at Old Trafford.
Cunha in the Theatre of Dreams - A no brainer?
On the surface, Cunha and Man United seem the perfect match, for various reasons. Let’s begin with the obvious, goalscoring. It has been a dire issue for the Red Devils this campaign, with zero, yes ZERO, individuals reaching ten league goals, yet at least.
It comes as no shock Bruno Fernandes leads the way in all competitions (19), whilst Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho having all struggled for consistent production this campaign.
Amad Diallo had been a shining light for Amorim, becoming a regular starter throughout the season, only to be thwarted by an ankle injury in February. Despite this, the Ivorian only trails Fernandes for goals in the Premier League for Man United (7), having scored on his league return at Brentford, such has been the underperformance of the clubs’ forwards.
Cunha, meanwhile, has found the net 15 times in the Premier League for a poor Wolves side for the most part, despite a recent resurgence under Vitor Pereira. Only six players have scored more league goals, all for clubs who sit in the top half.
Ability to produce in England’s topflight, check. Cunha has been a major highlight in difficult spells for Wolves this season. This, on top of an impressive first full campaign at the Molineaux Stadium, where he found the net 12 times in the Premier League.
It was in fact an explosion of quality from the Brazilian, who having joined in January 2023 had failed to reach double figures in a league campaign since 2017/18 with Swiss side FC Sion.
Trying spells followed at RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, where Cunha failed to really sustain any consistency, but has found his place and position at Wolves, which conveniently makes him an ideal fit for Amorim.
It would seem from an initial view that the Brazilian would fit seamlessly into Amorim’s system, having already flourished in the left ‘ten’ role for Wolves in a similar shape, it adds yet another positive to a potentially significant move.
At 25 years of age, Cunha would fit the profile INEOS, along with Technical Director Jason Wilcox and Head of Recruitment Christopher Vivell, are shifting the transfer strategy towards. Younger, hungrier individuals who can help to provide a more sustained period of stability and success on the red side of Manchester.
It would certainly be the first buy of a busy window ahead for Man United, who after acquiring Patrick Dorgu in January aim to add a new lease of life at Old Trafford with sights on a return to the top high on the long-term agenda.
Risk v Reward
The potential risks of the move must be addressed. Despite Cunha’s superb talent and recent exploits, question marks have been raised about the sudden spike in his disciplinary record, though when looked at, any doubts can be quickly debunked.
A couple of suspensions in 2025 due to violent conduct has brought into doubt whether the Brazilian is a character that would be suitable for Man United. It has certainly shown Cunha has the capacity to lash out.
Do these incidents suddenly indicate the forward lacks the professionalism, or proper conduct that would be the bare minimum at a club the size of Man United? It’s unclear. But it would be unfair to tag Cunha in such a way, particularly when he had only missed out twice through suspension in the rest of his career prior.
To move forward, therein arrives another dilemma for Amorim. The distance between the Red Devils and their rivals, namely recently crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, as well as Arsenal and Manchester City, means any notable arrivals will need to hit the ground running. And fast.
It will be needed more from the likes of Cunha, and any additional attacking talent that come through the door. Such a lacklustre season in front of goal means not only the obvious, they struggle to win matches, but to catch their rivals, which remains a steep task, Cunha and co will have to produce the goods.
Despite an impressive Premier League record, the Brazilian will have to go up a gear or two. The pressure will be on, though he has shown he has that 'football arrogance' to step up when it counts.
He will provide an X-factor that has been sorely lacking at Old Trafford barring Fernandes in recent memory. Cunha is a risk-taker, an entertainer, and if the move is to be completed, one thing will be certain, he will bring excitement to a club that could do with it.
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