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INEOS wasted no time sealing the Matheus Cunha deal of their mission to weaponise Ruben Amorim’s toothless assault.
Misfiring United forwards had held again the Portuguese tactician’s early momentum, so this summer season was all about high quality upgrades within the remaining third.
A scientific striker and two pure 10s had been high of the agenda.
Cunha signed as one of many 10s
Having impressed as a left-sided 10 in Vítor Pereira’s 3-4-2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers setup (mirroring Amorim’s system), it was straightforward to see why United’s scouting division pivoted in the direction of the Wolves playmaker.
Passionate, technically gifted, and stuffed with aptitude, Cunha’s 17 targets and 6 assists in 36 appearances made him a no brainer.
INEOS weren’t about to threat shedding him to rivals; they moved rapidly and obtained the deal completed.
For £62.5 million, the Brazilian joined United, moving into the highlight to observe within the footsteps of his idol: Wayne Rooney.
His admiration for Rooney
In his first interview as a Purple Satan, Cunha opened up on why Rooney had all the time been his benchmark:
“I keep in mind the entire squad on the time that I began to look at.
“I appreciated Rooney on the entrance. Wow! He’s somebody I’ve plenty of related issues in my sport, as I all the time give every little thing.
“He was the No.10, I keep in mind it on his shirt, and everybody beloved the abilities of the participant, however he all the time introduced extra.”
The proper shirt to honour his idol
On Friday, 4 July, simply days earlier than the pre-season begins, experiences have revealed that Cunha would be the membership’s new quantity 10.
It’s a transfer many see as signalling Marcus Rashford’s destiny. The academy graduate, strongly linked with an exit, will now not put on the quantity 10 at United.
Matheus Cunha has formally been given the No.10 shirt at Manchester United #mufc
— Wealthy Fay (@RichFay) July 4, 2025
Cunha (allegedly promised the quantity whereas being swayed to affix), inherits the long-lasting quantity with the fireplace and want to emulate Rooney’s legacy.
United’s all-time main scorer left in 2017 after netting 253 targets. Nobody has come shut since. Cunha may change that.
Taking part in alongside a confirmed goalscorer, with Bruno Fernandes behind him and probably Bryan Mbeumo flanking the alternative aspect, it’s straightforward to think about Cunha’s output climbing sharply.
Featured picture Wagner Meier through Getty Pictures
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