Rene Mulensteen has explained which Premier League star is exactly what Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha need to thrive at Manchester United.
Manchester United are yet to make any new signings this January transfer window, with their time occupied with finding a new head coach after former manager Ruben Amorim’s departure early in the new year.
Michael Carrick has been appointed to the role of interim head coach, and with the dugout now filled until summer, fans are now wondering if the club is going to turn their attention to making any new signings before the deadline approaches.
Mathues Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo are both examples of what new signings can do for the club. Since the two arrived at Old Trafford in the summer, they have both been key additions to United’s attacking setup.
Mbuemo has managed seven goals alongside 17 assists so far this campaign. Cunha’s efforts in attack have also been adimarble netting four goals as well as registering 20 assists across all competitions in the first half of the season.
While both players have cemented their place in the squad so far, former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has offered his opinion on a potential signing, who he thinks would “help” both Mbeumo and Cunha massively up front.
Meulensteen on the importance of Wharton for Utd’s rebuild
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been closely linked with United. While a January signing for the 21-year-old is almost off the cards, reports suggest that Wharton is a key target for United this summer.
The England international has impressed whilst playing for Oliver Glasner’s side, and would be a perfect addition to United’s midfield if the club want to get back to competing as one of the top teams in European football.
Wharton’s contract with Palace is in place until 2029, with the Eagles rumoured to want a transfer in the range of £60-100 million for the youngster. Meulensteen sees this fee as worth it, arguing that Wharton would help to offer what Mbeumo and Cunha have been missing so far this season.
When speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he told Sam Allardyce that he feels a few players have to move on.
“I see a lot of good in Kobbie Mainoo — he has to improve over time. I’m also a big fan of [Adam] Wharton at Crystal Palace. He’s so tidy on the ball, always looks to get it forward, and that’s what Cunha and Mbuemo need to help them.
“[Elliott] Anderson at Nottingham Forest is also a very good player — he’s dynamic and energetic.”
Big Ineos decisions await
Ineos and Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are seemingly under a lot of pressure as they have to look into a permanent managerial option to appoint in the summer, but this doesn’t detract from the fact that the club are still in need of a clearout to ensure a strong squad as they look to return to full fighting force.
Read More: Darren Fletcher disagrees with Sir Jim Ratcliffe about Man Utd aims this season after FA Cup exit
“United have a few individuals in the squad that are not good enough,” he said.
“They concede far too many goals, so defensively they’re not solid. Every team that has the courage to have a go at them is going to create things.”
As United face Premier League rivals Manchester City this Saturday, fans of the club are anxiously awaiting Carrick’s return to Old Trafford with the clash a perfect opportunity for the club to assess its problems in preparation for the long-awaited changes this summer.
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 14:00 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.