Manchester United have been in desperate need of more leadership quality at the club after a poor season under Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United confirmed their first signing of this summer’s transfer window, Matheus Cunha from Wolves, on a five-year deal worth £62.5 million.
The 26-year-old Brazilian forward becomes the first addition under new manager Ruben Amorim, signalling a strong early move as United prepare for a major rebuild ahead of the upcoming season.
Cunha is viewed as a key solution to United’s underperforming attack, bringing much-needed pace, flair, and finishing power to the front line.
He netted 15 Premier League goals for Wolves last season, playing a pivotal role in steering them clear of relegation and his departure will be a significant loss for the Molineux side.
Cunha could have a Cantona-esque impact at United
United’s attitude as a team has been questioned this season, with players not looking to be fully committed or willing to put their bodies on the line to get the three points for the club.
However, former United centre-back Gary Pallister feels that the signing of Cunha is a brilliant one, as he has the type of attitude that United have dearly missed in the last few seasons, likening him to a mix of club legends Roy Keane and Eric Cantona, among others.
“I think in the game today players are scared to have a pop at the other team, but that can be healthy, rather than waiting for the manager to get the players up for it at half time. Players like Roy Keane, Steve Bruce and Paul Ince had that, a bit of devilment. Cunha might have a similarity to Keane in that sense.
“He seems to thrive off that energy, and playing angry, it can get the best out of some players. Sometimes it can cross the line, but there is a balance there.
“You don’t want to take that away from players like that, when they have a bit of aggression in their game, there is nothing wrong with that, it shows they hate losing and that comes out in different ways for certain players.”
Pallister put Cunha in very high regard, likening him to the king of Old Trafford, Eric Cantona. “You look back at Eric Cantona, he had that edge. He wouldn’t back down. He was ready for a fight if anybody tried to provoke him. I think that sends a message across to teams, you mess with him and you know what will happen.”
Cunha is part of a larger rebuild under Amorim
Although Pallister’s words very much put Cunha on the pedestal of a taisman signing that could turn United around, the 26-year-old Brazilian joining Old Trafford is instead part of a larger rebuild.
United will not be making a single statement signing this summer, but instead bringing high-quality upgrades across the pitch that will collectively raise the physical standard and quality of Amorim’s squad.
With Cunha’s arrival confirmed, United hope to soon announce that they have reached an agreement with Brentford to sign Bryan Mbeumo as a further addition to their attack.
The club are also hoping to secure a new striker, with Viktor Gyökeres the name on everyone’s lips, although United insist that the Swede is one of several players they are considering for the position.
Amorim is also known to want a new defensive midfielder, while a fresh goalkeeper and centre-back cannot be ruled out, depending on who leaves the club this summer.
Gary Pallister was speaking to Compare.Bet.
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