Wayne Rooney has named three of his former Manchester United teammates as examples of signings Rúben Amorim must avoid making this summer.
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha this summer as they look to strengthen Rúben Amorim’s attacking options.
This season, the club has struggled with consistent goal-scoring, relying largely on captain Bruno Fernandes, especially after Amad missed the past two months due to injury.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund have combined for just 18 goals this campaign, with only five players reaching more than ten goal involvements. Marcus Rashford, who is set to be sold this summer, is one of them.
As a result, Amorim is focusing on signing players who fit his 3-4-3 formation, with Cunha seen as an ideal fit for the left attacking role.
Rooney issues Amorim transfer warning
United club legend Wayne Rooney has been speaking on United’s summer window. Asked about the likely transfer of Cunha to United, the 39-year-old was complimentary of the Brazilian.
He further commented that Amorim must avoid replicating big-name signings, such as Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who signed for a collective £164 million, and instead start signing a core group of players who can sustain the club, with Cunha being one such signing.
“I think there are a lot of players who are good enough for Manchester United,” Rooney said on The Overlap. “I think he’s [Cunha] a top player, and since a lot of players have gone now with ability and reputation and have struggled over the last few years, so, I think it’s difficult.
“United needs to really identify a core group of players who can help sustain the club over the next two or three years, instead of going for names which they’ve done in the past with Lukaku, Pogba, [and] Zlatan.
“Going for superstars and names, which I don’t think Cunha is at that level at the minute.”
United’s recent change in transfer policy
United have had a significant change in transfer policy since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS-led delegation.
The club are focusing on signing young players with potential and room to grow, and have so far been targeting those with good-value release clauses to secure deals quickly.
Aside from Cunha, United are also thought to be targeting 22-year-old Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who has a £30 million release clause in his contract.
Amorim’s two first-team signings so far, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu (20) and Ayden Heaven (18), are both considered players for the future who can improve over the next few years, and are perfect examples of the deals United aims to complete.
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