One Manchester United legend has pinpointed a big advantage that Matheus Cunha will bring to the squad next season.
Manchester United confirmed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves earlier this month, marking their first major move of the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian forward is set to play a key role in Ruben Amorim’s team, with further changes to the squad expected ahead of the new season.
Seen as a major upgrade to an attack that has struggled for consistency and sharpness in recent years, Cunha brings a blend of strength, intelligent movement, and versatility across the front line.
The 26-year-old described the move as a “dream come true,” while United’s technical director Jason Wilcox confirmed that bringing Cunha in was one of the club’s top priorities this summer.
United legend pinpoints big advantage Cunha brings
United legend Gary Pallister has praised the club for bringing Cunha in and believes that his Premier League experience is important for the squad.
“I think it’s big,” the former defender told the Manchester Evening News. “I think you see a lot of foreign players coming in and I think that they’re taken aback with the pace and the physicality of the Premier League… So if you’re already proven at that level in that environment, then I think it speaks volumes.”
Cunha scored 15 goals in England’s top flight last term, which was seven more than any United player and nine more than those not named Bruno Fernandes or Amad.
But Pallister has also highlighted Cunha’s personality, which has been criticised by some people. He believes that it is exactly what the United squad needs.
“I like Cunha because I know he’s got an edge to him,” he continued. “I like that in a player. I think managers like that as long as you can try and keep a lid on it most of the time, I don’t think that’s a bad thing and a little bit of edginess is maybe what the dressing room needs as well, a little bit of personality, a little bit of character.
“I like seeing a bit of an edge, I think, in terms of real leaders in the squad at Manchester United, I’m not sure there’s too many who’ve got that Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson edge. I like seeing somebody going in there to shake things up a little bit.”
A lot of expectation on Cunha
There has been a lot of talk about Cunha in this aspect and some comparisons made to club captain Fernandes. Some feel like the Brazilian could be a major influence on the team.
Omar Berrada, United’s chief executive, even suggested that the signing is ‘Cantona-esque’. It feels like there is a lot of expectation on Cunha, but he seems like someone who can deal with that.
His first game for the club is quickly approaching, with the 26-year-old set to play in the opening friendly of pre-season against Leeds on 19 July.
United fans will be hoping that at least one more new face is through the door by that point, with Bryan Mbeumo the most likely to join.
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