Matheus Cunha looks set to be the first signing of Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United with the Wolves star touted as a transformational figure thanks to a stint at one of his previous clubs
Manchester United’s potential new signing Matheus Cunha has a track record of being the catalyst for change at his former clubs, something that could prove invaluable to the Red Devils. Cunha, 26, is seen as the kind of player who can turn a team’s fortunes around – a quality Manchester United are in dire need of after a disappointing Premier League campaign and their loss in the Europa League final.
It appears the Wolves star is set to be Ruben Amorim’s inaugural acquisition this summer, barring any unforeseen hitches. Negotiations are currently ongoing between United and the Midlands club regarding the payment structure for his £62.5million buyout clause.
If United manage to seal the deal, Cunha is expected to become an integral part of Amorim’s squad, likely taking up the left-sided No. 10 role. But Cunha’s impact isn’t limited to his versatility on the pitch, reports the Manchester Evening News.
His time at Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin, which he joined in January 2020, saw him rise to cult status among fans. He was also credited with playing a pivotal role in saving the club from relegation, according to Hertha writer Marc Schwitzky.
“Cunha played his way into the hearts of the Berliners,” Schwitzky told The Athletic in January 2023. “He came in January 2020 when the team was completely down and was possibly the main factor in them not being relegated.
“Normally, it is a problem when a team has no offensive flow, but for Cunha, exactly this freedom was perfect, he blossomed completely.
“Many games of the second half of 2020-21 became a Cunha show. Again and again he led the way with spectacular scenes, he didn’t seem to care about all the pressure of relegation, he was just happy to be able to play so much.
“He also started the 2021-22 season fantastically, in the first 10 games he was directly involved in nine goals. But then he fell into a dip in form that he couldn’t get out of.”
Cunha’s temporary loss of form led to tensions with Hertha’s then-coach Bruno Labaddia, who questioned his tactical discipline – with discipline in all its forms being a recurring theme in Cunha’s eventful career.
Despite his obvious talent, Cunha’s temperament has been a cause for concern. While netting 17 goals and providing six assists for Wolves across all competitions this season, he also faced behaviour issues.
The 26-year-old was handed a two-game ban in December after appearing to elbow an Ipswich Town staff member before removing the same staffer’s glasses. In March, he was also suspended for four games after headbutting Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and being escorted down the tunnel during an FA Cup tie.
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker is just one who has sent a warning to United, claiming that Cunha could suffer from “lacking team principles and work ethic”.
“He’s an incredibly talented player. There’s a slight question mark against Matheus Cunha in terms of managers,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast recently. “He’s either brilliant or he can be accused occasionally of lacking team principles and work ethic.”
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