Matheus Cunha has revealed how one Manchester United teammate reached out to help him settle into life in Manchester following his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer.
Manchester United triggered the £62.5 million release clause in Matheus Cunha’s Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the summer transfer window.
Cunha attracted interest from a host of clubs, including Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, following an impressive spell at the Molineux Stadium where he scored over 30 goals in three seasons.
United had been heavily linked with Cunha in 2022 when he was at Atletico Madrid, but United decided to commit funds elsewhere and the Brazilian international eventually made the move to Wolves.
Cunha is yet to score for United, but he has made a bright start to his career at Old Trafford. He suffered an unfortunate injury against Burnley, but returned to action against Chelsea, where he came on as a substitute in the 65th minute.
Cunha reveals the United star who reached out to him
Cunha has revealed that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes sent him a message once he completed his transfer to United.
“It was when I arrived, he [Bruno Fernandes] sent me a message, if I need something, he’ll be there,” Cunha told club media. “I think he’s a great captain.”
This isn’t the first time teammates have talked about Fernandes’ off-field leadership.
In an interview in 2023, Fernandes’ United and Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot said: “I think Bruno’s ability and influence on a team like ours is remarkable, not just because of his footballing qualities, which are unanimous, but also because of what he gives the team off the pitch, the leadership he has, the energy he gives.”
Fernandes was appointed captain by Erik ten Hag in 2023, but wore the armband on a regular basis prior to that when Harry Maguire, his predecessor, wasn’t on the pitch.
Fernandes’ importance to United is clear
Manchester United could’ve sold Bruno Fernandes to Al-Hilal for £100 million. For a player of Fernandes’ age, most selling clubs would be keen on doing a deal that involves a fee of that significance.
Manchester United and Rúben Amorim made it clear, however, that they didn’t want to lose the Portuguese international. In the end, Fernandes himself decided to continue his career on the red side of Manchester.
Fernandes is the heartbeat of Amorim’s United. Almost everything good comes through him. Even in a deeper role, which probably doesn’t maximise his skillset, he has still consistently been Manchester United’s best player.
What he brings to the club extends far past his performances on the pitch, however, the leadership qualities he has have been regularly praised by teammates and staff at the club.
£100 million is a lot of money, but replacing Bruno Fernandes’ impact at United, both on and off the field, is going to cost a lot more than that.
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