Alan Shearer tells why Cunha won't be the answer to Man Utd's problems

Alan Shearer has endorsed Manchester United’s pursuit of Wolves’ forward Matheus Cunha, praising his talent and potential to bolster the Red Devils’ faltering attack.

However, the all-time leading Premier League goalscorer cautioned that Cunha alone cannot fix United’s woes, urging the club to sign multiple players to spark a revival under manager Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United’s attacking output has been a glaring weakness in the 2024-25 season, with just 38 goals in 33 Premier League matches, a tally better than only five teams.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled, combining for 15 goals across all competitions, with Zirkzee sidelined by a season-ending injury.

The loan departure of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa and the likely exits of Jadon Sancho and Antony have left United’s frontline in desperate need of reinforcement.

Matheus Cunha, the 25-year-old Wolves star, has emerged as a prime target, with 14 goals and four assists in 33 Premier League appearances this season.

His versatility to play as a No. 10, left-sided forward, or central striker aligns perfectly with Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, which demands dynamic attackers to bridge midfield and attack.

Cunha’s 118 successful take-ons and 40 chances created in the Premier League, along with standout moments like his Olimpico goal against United on Boxing Day 2024, highlight his ability to unlock defenses and provide the creativity United lack.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer lauded Cunha’s potential impact but tempered expectations about his ability to single-handedly transform United.

“[He] wouldn’t make a difference for Man United - they’re going to need another six or seven players on top of that,” the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer declared.

“He’s just one of the players, if it is going to happen, but yeah I get it and I understand it.” Shearer emphasized that United’s issues—evidenced by their 14th-place standing and a goal difference of -3—require a comprehensive squad overhaul, with Cunha as part of a broader solution.

Shearer went on to praise Cunha’s undeniable talent and unique personality, noting, “He’ll be a welcome addition, absolutely. I don’t know what they’re going to have to pay for him. I suspect it’s quite a hefty amount. Has he got talent? Absolutely. Is he a bit of a maverick? Yeah, but you get that with most good players - they have an edge to them and a side which some people may not like.”

Shearer’s comments highlight Cunha’s flair and occasional volatility, referencing his two red cards and six games missed through suspension this season, but frame these traits as part of his appeal as a game-changer.

United’s pursuit of Cunha is gaining momentum, with The Athletic reporting that the club is close to triggering his £62.5 million release clause, signed in February 2025.

Contract talks have been positive, and Cunha’s agent has visited England to negotiate terms, positioning United as frontrunners despite interest from Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool have been linked with a speculative swap deal involving Diogo Jota, but such a move appears unlikely. Cunha’s 16 goals across all competitions, including a brace against Tottenham, have made him a hot commodity, with Forest eyeing him as a record signing if they secure Champions League qualification.

To fund the deal, United are navigating the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which may necessitate player sales.

The potential permanent transfer of Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa with a £40 million option, could generate significant funds, as could the departures of Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Antony.

A swap deal involving Rashford has been proposed, with Wolves potentially open to the idea given Rashford’s recent form (four goals and six assists in 17 appearances).

However, Rashford’s preference for Champions League football and Wolves’ mid-table position complicate the feasibility of such an exchange, and Wolves are likely to demand Cunha’s release clause in full, though they may accept instalments.

United’s financial outlook could improve with a strong Europa League campaign, where they face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, potentially yielding £100 million in prize money.

Their current 14th-place standing, however, risks a £24 million loss in Premier League merit payments compared to last season’s eighth-place finish, underscoring the need for strategic signings like Cunha.

Shearer’s call for “six or seven” additional signings aligns with Amorim’s ambitious plans to reshape United’s squad.

Beyond Cunha, United are targeting Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, with a reported €105 million double swoop for Atalanta’s Ederson and Retegui also in play.

Interest in Manchester City’s James McAtee and Leicester’s Mads Hermansen reflects Amorim’s focus on blending youth and experience.

To facilitate these moves, United plan to offload up to ten players, including Tyrell Malacia and the injury-prone Zirkzee, streamlining the squad to fit Amorim’s high-pressing system.

Shearer’s caution that Cunha alone won’t suffice underscores United’s deeper issues, including a lack of midfield creativity, defensive solidity, and consistent goalkeeping.

Gary Neville has endorsed Cunha as a “good fit” for United’s attacking midfield roles, but like Shearer, he stresses the need for multiple additions to address the squad’s deficiencies.

Posts on X capture fan sentiment, with United supporters hailing Cunha as a “statement signing” who could “bring back the spark,” while some express skepticism about his ability to transform a team in “such a mess.”

Securing Cunha won’t be straightforward. His disciplinary record raises concerns, though United view his passion as a manageable trait that can be channeled effectively.

Cunha’s public statements add uncertainty, as he has oscillated between loyalty to Wolves and a desire to “take the next step” and compete for titles.

In February 2025, he clarified misinterpreted comments, emphasizing his commitment to Wolves, but earlier remarks to The Guardian about seeking a new challenge keep transfer rumors alive.

Rival clubs pose a significant threat. Newcastle see Cunha as a left-sided attacker to complement Alexander Isak, while Arsenal view him as a potential deputy for Bukayo Saka.

Nottingham Forest’s ambitious approach could lead to a competitive bid, particularly if they secure European football. United’s lack of guaranteed Champions League qualification, reliant on their Europa League campaign, may also weigh on Cunha’s decision, as he has expressed a desire to play at the highest level.

If United can land Cunha, his flair, goal-scoring instincts, and ability to thrive under pressure—evidenced by 10 goal involvements in Wolves’ last 12 matches—could provide a much-needed boost.

Shearer’s endorsement highlights Cunha’s readiness to make an impact, but his warning that United need a broader overhaul tempers expectations. For Amorim, Cunha represents a critical piece of a larger puzzle, capable of complementing Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho while addressing a key weakness.

As negotiations advance, with key terms reportedly set for discussion in May, United’s ability to navigate financial constraints, outmaneuver rivals, and convince Cunha of their project will be pivotal. Whether he becomes the catalyst for United’s revival or merely one of many needed additions, Cunha’s potential arrival promises to be a defining moment in Amorim’s tenure.