Manchester United are in desperate need of goals – and it appears that Ruben Amorim’s side may have just found their answer.
Languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, and now level on points with Wolves after their 1-0 defeat to the Midlands club on Sunday, it has proved another disheartening season for the Red Devils.
And while success in the Europa League could well still secure a return to the Champions League next year, it is undeniable that the club is facing another major rebuild this summer.
Near the top of their summer wishlist is sure to be another forward, given the well-documented struggles of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund this campaign.
And it appears that Matheus Cunha could well be the player arriving at Old Trafford this summer, with the latest reports suggesting that United have held promising contract talks to sign the Brazilian, who has a £62.5million release clause in his current Wolves deal.
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United may still have to fend off interest from a host of Premier League clubs to complete a deal for the 25-year-old, but it’s easy to see why they’ve already made their move.
Why does everyone want Matheus Cunha?
While impressing during his first full season with Wolves last year, Cunha has undoubtedly kicked on another gear this season.
With 20 goal contributions in 30 games in all competitions this term, he has been Wolves’ standout player by some way this season and, at times, single-handedly helped his side battle their way out of a relegation dogfight.
And despite signing a new deal in January, the presence of a release clause in his new deal means the forward is an easy target for clubs looking to complete some early transfer business this summer.
What has Cunha said about leaving Wolves?
While happy to turn down offers and stay at the club in January, Cunha has been vocal about his desire to move on to pastures new in the summer.
‘I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it,’ Cunha told the Guardian in March.
‘Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.
‘Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.’
Turning 26 next month, Cunha is entering the prime of his career and should be able to hit the ground running at a new Premier League team having already spent two and a half years in the English top-flight.
Combined with that, the Brazilian’s tactical adaptability and well-rounded game mean that he should be able to adapt to a more front-footed team playing higher up the division.
How would he fit in Ruben Amorim’s side?
United may not be higher up the division currently, but the allure of Old Trafford and the possibility of European football next season appears to be enough for Cunha as he mulls over his next move.
And should he join Amorim’s side, the Portuguese coach will be hopeful that Cunha’s successes in a Wolves shirt can be easily replicated at United.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation may not suit all of his current forwards, but it shouldn’t prove a problem for Cunha, who has thrived under Vitor Pereira’s similar set-up at Wolves.
The Brazilian’s versatility means he could easily be deployed in either the attacking midfield position or as the leading centre forward in Amorim’s starting XI
In addition, his ability to dribble the ball and to drop deep and link up play stands in stark contrast to the aforementioned Zirkzee and Hojlund, who have often cut isolated figures when leading the line under Amorim.
Any concerns?
While the early signs are positive, there appears to be plenty of work still to be done to wrap up a deal for Cunha in the summer.
Should United fail to win the Europa League, Cunha may consider other options, especially if clubs playing in Europe come knocking for his services.
And there is also the question of United’s finances, with a lack of European football surely making it difficult for the cash-strapped Manchester club to raise the necessary funds to activate his release clause.
On the pitch, Cunha also comes with some potential concerns. Two moments of madness – and subsequent red cards – have seen him rack up six matches’ worth of bans this season alone.
And while capable of leading the line, his primary position for Wolves this season has still been a deeper, attacking midfield role. If used there at United, Amorim could well be left with the familiar problem of having to get the best out of Zirkzee or Hojlund in the traditional number nine position.
Those potential issues may not be enough to dissuade the Red Devils, though, who have no choice but to seek alternatives to try and discover a consistent attacking spark in Amorim’s system.
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