One Manchester United player has been told he’s in trouble amid the pending arrival of Matheus Cunha on a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are set to announce the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Brazilian forward joining on a five-year deal for £62.5 million.
Cunha becomes Rúben Amorim’s first addition of the 2025 summer window and is viewed as a key solution to a misfiring front line.
The fee will be paid in three instalments, starting with an initial £20.8 million once the deal is finalised.
The 26-year-old is expected to start on the left of United’s attacking trio, moving ahead of Alejandro Garnacho, whose departure this summer now appears increasingly likely.
Cunha’s arrival puts “disappointing” star in trouble
With Cunha arriving as part of Amorim’s new-look front three, former United striker Louis Saha has warned current United No. 7 Mason Mount that he may be in trouble, as Cunha fits the profile Amorim needs.
“Matheus Cunha is exactly what United need. He’s got speed and stamina,” Saha said. “He’s unpredictable and he’s powerful. He’s got legs, he’s got skills, he’s got the right attitude.
“He works hard, but he’s also creative. He gives the opponents a headache to try to solve the problems he poses. He can be decisive, and he can cut it in the Premier League.
“He’s already shown that he’s good enough. Not only that, I think he can handle the pressure, and he is versatile enough to play in midfield or across the front line.
“That’s the kind of player that United need. When you look at Mason Mount, who has been unlucky with injury, but he doesn’t exploit the space like Cunha does. Mount finds space, but he’s not dangerous in the pockets when he finds them. It’s disappointing from such a big signing.”
Cunha set to link up with two other United players
While there is little certainty surrounding who will remain at the club this summer amid Amorim’s desire to clean out his squad, it’s thought that, as long as they stay, Bruno Fernandes and Amad will play a major part next season.
With Cunha set to be United’s new star man in attack, Saha went on to explain that he feels Cunha’s mentality and swagger will match the aforementioned pair, which will lead to more exciting football at Old Trafford.
“Further forward, I often think that strikers are the barometer for your side’s confidence,” Saha continued. “When they’re on fire and the team plays well, you can give them anything and they’ll turn it into a goal. You can fire the ball straight at them when you’re under pressure, and it sticks to them.
“United don’t have that now, but Cunha can give it to them. He’s got the talent and the mentality. Get him alongside Amad and Bruno, who are able to handle the pressure up the field, and they’ll keep it 90% of the time.
“Right now, a long ball up front has a 50 per cent chance of going wrong. That kills your confidence.”
Louis Saha was speaking to 10bet.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.