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INEOS wasted no time sealing the Matheus Cunha deal of their mission to weaponise Ruben Amorim’s toothless assault.
Misfiring United forwards had held again the Portuguese tactician’s early momentum, so this summer season was all about high quality upgrades within the closing third.
A medical striker and two pure 10s have been prime of the agenda.
Cunha signed as one of many 10s
Having impressed as a left-sided 10 in Vítor Pereira’s 3-4-2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers setup (mirroring Amorim’s system), it was straightforward to see why United’s scouting division pivoted in direction of the Wolves playmaker.
Passionate, technically gifted, and stuffed with aptitude, Cunha’s 17 targets and 6 assists in 36 appearances made him a no brainer.
INEOS weren’t about to danger shedding him to rivals; they moved rapidly and obtained the deal carried out.
For £62.5 million, the Brazilian joined United, moving into the highlight to observe within the footsteps of his idol: Wayne Rooney.
His admiration for Rooney
In his first interview as a Crimson Satan, Cunha opened up on why Rooney had at all times been his benchmark:
“I keep in mind the entire squad on the time that I began to look at.
“I appreciated Rooney on the entrance. Wow! He’s somebody I’ve numerous related issues in my recreation, as I at all times give all the pieces.
“He was the No.10, I keep in mind it on his shirt, and everybody liked the talents of the participant, however he at all times introduced extra.”
The proper shirt to honour his idol
On Friday, 4 July, simply days earlier than the pre-season begins, reviews have revealed that Cunha would be the membership’s new quantity 10.
It’s a transfer many see as signalling Marcus Rashford’s destiny. The academy graduate, strongly linked with an exit, will now not put on the quantity 10 at United.
Matheus Cunha has formally been given the No.10 shirt at Manchester United #mufc
— Wealthy Fay (@RichFay) July 4, 2025
Cunha (allegedly promised the quantity whereas being swayed to hitch), inherits the long-lasting quantity with the fireplace and want to emulate Rooney’s legacy.
United’s all-time main scorer left in 2017 after netting 253 targets. Nobody has come shut since. Cunha might change that.
Enjoying alongside a confirmed goalscorer, with Bruno Fernandes behind him and presumably Bryan Mbeumo flanking the alternative aspect, it’s straightforward to think about Cunha’s output climbing sharply.
Featured picture Wagner Meier by way of Getty Pictures
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