Ruben Amorim could end up with a much-improved Manchester United side next season with the potential signing of Matheus Cunha and a £55 million duo.
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for the summer transfer window as the Reds look to bolster Ruben Amorim’s frontline.
The 25-year-old has impressed with 14 goals and four assists in the Premier League, despite Wolves’ tough season. In comparison, United’s top scorer Bruno Fernandes has eight, while Rasmus Højlund has just three in 28 games.
While a new striker is on the agenda, United also need more creativity and goal threat behind the No.9 — something Cunha would provide.
The latest reports suggest that United are the frontrunners to sign the Brazilian international and have had positive talks with his representatives. He has a £62 million release clause, so discussions between clubs should not become complicated.
With the deal seeming like one that will be done, and other players being targeted, it seems like Ruben Amorim’s potential best XI for next season at Old Trafford is becoming clearer.
Amorim’s best United XI with Cunha and £55m duo
There are unlikely to be many changes in the backline at United next term as the defence has enough quality and depth with the introduction of players like Ayden Heaven.
Some backup players might be signed or promoted through the Academy as Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf are likely to be leaving but the starting side is becoming clearer.
Noussair Mazraoui has found comfort on the right side of the back three and it looks like he will continue in that position while his ex-Bayern Munich teammate, Matthijs de Ligt, would return to the middle of the defence.
While it is likely that a fully fit Lisandro Martínez starts in this team, his ACL injury could heavily impact his return to the side and Leny Yoro has done fantastically on the left side of the back three in recent months.
André Onana has not been in good enough form this season but it seems like he’ll get one final chance to prove himself next term, with United only likely to sign a backup for the Cameroon international in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether United will sign a wingback in the summer and it would likely be a right-sided option if they did as Patrick Dorgu came in during the January window and Harry Amass also looks ready to fight for a spot on that left side.
Amad is set to return from injury soon and despite his attacking excellence, it seems more likely that he’s regularly stationed at right-wingback next term as more firepower is added to the frontline.
Bruno Fernandes is likely to continue in the pivot, a position where he has shined for United this season, while his partner in that midfield is up for debate.
Manuel Ugarte has been outshined by Casemiro in recent weeks and it would not be entirely surprising to see a signing in that position this summer. However, with more time on the training pitch over the summer, we could see Kobbie Mainoo return to the deeper role in Amorim’s system and be the player dictating play from deeper.
With the goalscoring troubles of this season, Amorim could end up having a completely new frontline at Old Trafford with Cunha operating as the left-sided no.10.
The Brazilian forward will likely end up being joined by Liam Delap, who is United’s priority striker signing and available for £30 million through a release clause in the summer.
Finally, there are rumours surrounding a potential move for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who scored twice against United over the two-legged Europa League clash this term, and he would be available for only £25 million.
The French youth international could complete that new-look attack under Amorim, while the options of Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and even seeing Amad step up into the frontline suddenly make the team look much stronger offensively.
Cherki and Delap would both be signings who only cost around £55 million combined and immediately up the levels of the current squad. You could also see other smart signings across the pitch, such as in midfield, to bolster United’s weak squad ahead of an important season.
Full XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro; Amad, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cherki, Cunha, Delap.
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.