Rival boss endorses Man Utd signing of Cunha saying he would be 'fantastic fit'

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has endorsed Manchester United’s pursuit of Wolves’ star Matheus Cunha, calling him a “fantastic fit” for the Red Devils.

Slot said, “Cunha would be a good signing for United—his energy and creativity could lift their attack, which desperately needs a spark.”

The comment, paired with a pointed jab at Amorim’s struggles, underscores the stark contrast between Liverpool’s title charge and United’s mid-table malaise, as the two clubs navigate divergent paths under new managers.

Amorim, appointed in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, has struggled to steady Manchester United, who sit 14th with just 38 goals in 33 Premier League matches.

Amorim’s shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation and public fallouts with players, notably Marcus Rashford—now thriving on loan at Aston Villa—have fueled fan unrest.

A 4-3 FA Cup loss to Fulham and a draw against Tottenham have intensified scrutiny, despite a Europa League semi-final berth against Athletic Bilbao.

Reflecting on his Liverpool tenure, Slot emphasized a measured approach, stating, “I didn’t want to come in and change everything overnight. You inherit a squad with quality and a culture. My job was to enhance it, not tear it apart.”

The remark, per The Mirror, appeared aimed at Amorim, whose radical tactical overhaul and criticism of players’ attitudes—demanding they “see the way you’re supposed to play football”—have disrupted United’s cohesion.

Slot’s nod to Cunha, who has 14 goals and four assists for Wolves this season, suggests United’s attack, led by underperforming strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee (15 combined goals), could benefit from the Brazilian’s flair, but only if Amorim adapts his approach.

Cunha, with a £62.5 million release clause, is a prime target for United, with The Athletic reporting advanced talks and his agent negotiating in England.

Slot’s endorsement aligns with Alan Shearer’s view that Cunha’s “X-factor” could address United’s goal drought, though Shearer warned he’s not a solo solution, requiring “six or seven” additional signings.

United’s pursuit of Cunha, alongside Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, and Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, reflects Amorim’s ambition, but financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) necessitate sales of players like Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, and Rashford.

Slot’s comments highlight the chasm between Liverpool and United. Liverpool’s stability, bolstered by Champions League revenue and a cohesive squad, contrasts with United’s PSR challenges and a projected £24 million loss in Premier League merit payments due to their drop from eighth to 14th.

United’s Europa League campaign could yield £100 million, but Amorim’s squad, lacking wing-backs and dynamic midfielders for his system, has struggled to adapt. The departure of veterans like Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans, and transfer-listed stars like Hojlund and Antony, signals a major rebuild.

United fans have vented frustration at Amorim’s “tactical mess”. Gary Neville has criticized Amorim’s system as “unsuited to the squad,” while Shearer’s call for multiple signings echoes Slot’s implied critique of United’s disarray.

However, Amorim’s defenders argue he inherited a fractured team, unlike Slot’s ready-made Liverpool, and needs time to implement his vision.