Unless you have been deliberately tuning out of the daily soap opera that is Manchester United, you will be aware of the club’s advanced interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
Whether through reports from Chris Wheeler, Laurie Whitwell, or Fabrizio Romano, it is evident that Ruben Amorim and his Ineos backroom team are keen to solidify an agreement with the Brazilian forward.
Having exclusively reported United’s interest in the player a fortnight ago, Shaun Connolly has confirmed the club hopes to agree a deal above Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause to amortise a Profit and Sustainability-friendly package.
Naturally, several factors weigh heavily on the club’s summer plans, with European participation and the sale of several high-earning players a priority for financial health.
But, given the struggles in the final third and a shared desire to rebuild this Manchester attack, Cunha is viewed as one of two primary options, alongside Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike.
The Theatre of Red can confirm that Delap is the likelier of the two now, given the cost of his release clause versus the extravagant figures required for Eintracht Frankfurt’s French starlet.
What we know about Matheus Cunha and Manchester United
At 25, Cunha possesses multiple attributes that have been critically tried and tested in the Premier League melting pot.
Per our exclusive on Tuesday, 8 April, United representatives have been keen to commence negotiations at the earliest opportunity, with the former RB Leipzig man eager to step up to Old Trafford.
Contrary to several reports regarding what some view as a player limited to an attacking number 10 role, Amorim and his coaching department admire the player’s versatility and ability to play anywhere across the front line.
Furthermore, sources advise us that ‘Cunha would relish the prospect of leading the line at Old Trafford if, and when, he is allowed to do so’.
It remains unclear about the size of the summer war chest to be handed to Amorim and his Ineos rebuild. However, player sales will play a huge role, and Napoli remain keen on Alejandro Garnacho.
Colleagues have reiterated the club’s desire to retain the services of Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho. That said, officials would prioritise a sale for the latter to bolster squad advancement ‘if push came to shove’.
We have previously highlighted a false narrative about Cunha and his capabilities to lead a Premier League line.
Although he has started more fixtures as a 10 this season for Wolves (15 over 12), he started 86% as a striker or second striker in their two previous campaigns (56 from 65). Additionally, 167 of his 244 career appearances have been as a frontman (145) or second striker (22).
It is essential to understand that numerous formations in modern football were invented to accommodate pre-match analysis and popular video games.
| Matheus Cunha vs attacking mid | Per 90 minutes (Last 365 days) | Percentile |
| Assists | 0.17 | 45 |
| Passes Attempted | 38.09 | 57 |
| Pass completion % | 71.7% | 21 |
| Progressive carries | 3.66 | 58 |
| Progressive passes received | 5.73 | 22 |
| Shots total | 3.38 | 90 |
| Non-penalty goals | 0.52 | 96 |
Whether Cunha is displayed as a 10 on a screen or a matchday programme, we are not looking at a creative outlet like Bruno Fernandes. Factually, his metrics and output reveal a forward who thrives on shooting while happily dropping deeper to offer assistance in defence.
Should United succeed in luring Delap to the North West, the Stretford End will embrace another youthful prospect (22) with the potential to lead a line for over a decade.
However, despite impressing for Ipswich Town in his maiden Premier League campaign, the weight of expectations on the shoulders of a Manchester United number nine is unlike anything he will have experienced.
One can look at Rasmus Hojlund for evidence about how quickly fortunes can change.
Make no mistake, Matheus Cunha would prove instrumental as a goalscorer in the box, and he has every attribute required to do so, making him an ideal target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Jason Wilcox, Amorim and all of his Portuguese coaching team.
How do you feel about Cunha arriving at Manchester United this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
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