Matheus Cunha has officially joined Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £62.5 million deal, becoming Rúben Amorim’s first signing of the summer — and the first step in a tactical overhaul at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has signed a five-year deal and will wear the iconic No. 10 shirt, once donned by legends like Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Cunha’s arrival signals United’s shift toward a fluid, pressing-based attack, built around movement, pace, and positional intelligence.
In 2024/25, Cunha scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists for Wolves across all competitions. But it’s not just his numbers that attracted United — it’s his style.
“Cunha presses like a demon, plays across the front line, and links midfield to attack,” said one Premier League scout. “He’s not a traditional No. 9 — but he’s perfect for Amorim’s system.”
Under Amorim, United are expected to adopt a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, and Cunha fits as either a central forward or one of the inside attackers.
He’s known for his ability to drift wide, drop deep, and carry the ball through the middle — an ideal complement to players like Garnacho or Bruno Fernandes.
“We called our pitches ‘Old Trafford’ as kids,” Cunha told Reuters. “This is more than football for me — it’s a dream.”
Cunha’s adaptability also opens the door for Rasmus Højlund to be rotated or shifted tactically, especially as United weigh further moves for Viktor Gyökeres or Hugo Ekitiké.
Amorim wants interchangeable forwards — and Cunha’s movement, technical sharpness, and defensive work rate make him the prototype.
At 25, he also enters at a prime age for growth, with his best years still ahead. “I want to bring energy, quality, and goals,” Cunha said. “But more than anything, I want to fight for this badge.”
As United look to bounce back from a dismal domestic season, Cunha offers more than just goals — he brings clarity to a new era under Amorim.
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