Matheus Cunha: What fans expect from Brazilian forward move to United

Old Trafford is stirring with anticipation. Manchester United, already in their worst-ever Premier League campaign (14th with 38 goals in 33 games), are on the point of a transformation, and one name dominating headlines is Matheus Cunha. The 25-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers star, with a £62.5 million release clause, is inching closer to a move to United. After single-handedly keeping Wolves above relegation with his skills and passion, Cunha is seen as the answer to United’s attacking problems under Ruben Amorim. But how does this Brazilian sensation fit into Amorim’s tactics and United’s celebrated philosophy is the question that this piece is set to explore, including his stats, versatile playing style, and hunger for greatness, here is how Cunha could light up the Theatre of Dreams and what fans can expect.

The rise of Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha’s journey to becoming one of United’s major signing in the upcoming summer transfer is an example of resilience. Born in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, he began his career at FC Sion in Switzerland, scoring 10 goals in his debut 2017/18 season, before RB Leipzig signed him for €15 million. His Bundesliga stint was mixed, but a €18 million move to Hertha Berlin in 2020 unleashed his potential, with 13 goals in 40 games. A €25 million transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2021 saw his dip in form, scoring just three goals in 29 La Liga games, but Wolves took a chance, loaning him in January 2023 before a permanent £44 million deal.

At Wolves, Cunha has become a Premier League sensation. Under Vitor Pereira’s 3-4-2-1, he’s thrived as a No. 10, combining the Brazilian footballing talent with relentless work rate. His 2024/25 season is historic: 14 Premier League goals and four assists in 27 games (despite missing six through suspensions), plus two FA Cup goals. He is one goal away from equaling Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli’s record for most goals by a Brazilian in a Premier League season (15). His goal against United on Boxing Day 2024, showcased how impressive he can be.

Cunha’s statistical record

Cunha’s 2024/25 numbers, shows what is meant to be a complete forward. Cunha has earned 30 Appearances (27 Premier League, 3 FA Cup), with 16 goals (14 Premier League, 2 FA Cup) and 4 assists (all Premier League). Cunha’s expected goals (xG) is 12.8 (outperforming by 1.2) and his expected Assists (xA) is 3.9. His shots per 90 is 2.8, with 1.1 being on target. Cunha’s dribbles per 90 is 5.8, with 54.4% been successful. Cunha’s offensive duels per 90 is 14.27 (41.7% won), his key passes per 90 is 1.4, while his tackles per 90 is 1.2

Since joining Wolves, he has scored 32 goals in 86 games across all competitions, including 12 and 13 Premier League goals in the last two full seasons. His hat-trick in a 4-2 rout of Chelsea in 2024 and direct contributions against United (two goals, one assist in three games) highlight his big-game pedigree. Note, his 32 league goals since January 2023 is a far cry from United’s Rasmus Hojlund (13) and Joshua Zirkzee (4) combined.

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Cunha’s playing style, how he could fit Amorim’s philosophy

Cunha’s style of play could suit Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 football philosophy, which demands versatility, dynamism, and goal threat from its two No. 10s behind a lone striker, signing for United, already accustomed to Wolves’ identical system under Pereira. Here is how he aligns with Amorim’s tactics:

Cunha thrives as a No. 10, often drifting left to exploit half-spaces. His 6’1” frame and winger-like pace make him a combined clinical forward and a good dribbler. At United, he could likely play alongside Bruno Fernandes or Amad Diallo, balancing creation (Fernandes’ 8 goals, 6 assists) with runs beyond (Cunha’s 1.4 progressive carries per 90).

One thing to know in Amorim’s philosophy is that he values ball-carriers to break lines when pinned back. Cunha’s top-level carries into the final third and 5.8 dribbles per 90 shows what United have been lacking with Alejandro Garnacho. His ability to go past opponents and carry a scoring edge could transform United’s depleted attack (38 goals, 5th-fewest in Premier League).

United’s 1.15 goals per game begs for a solid finisher. Cunha’s 0.44 goals per 90 and clinical finishing more similar to rival elite forwards. His hat-trick against Chelsea showed poacher’s instincts, long-range strikes, and ability. This is something more better compared to a striker like Liam Delap, another United summer transfer target.

Amorim’s 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 out-of-possession shapes demand pressing. Cunha’s 1.2 tackles and 41.7% duel success rate show he could adapt to Amorim’s tactics, though they are some inconsistent off-ball work like him leading the chart for players with the longest time spent walking in the pitch (77%). Amorim’s disciplined system could channel his energy, as Vitor Pereira did.

Furthermore, Amorim’s emphasis on vertical play and adaptable players. Cunha’s ability to link midfield and attacking evidenced by his 1.4 key passes and 0.18 assists per 90, makes him able to move the ball from defense to attack. His familiarity with 3-4-2-1, where one No. 10 creates and the other runs beyond, is similar to Amorim’s Sporting setup with Pedro Goncalves and Pablo Sarabia.

However, his unprofessional behavior is a concern. Six games missed for “emotional outbursts” against Ipswich and Bournemouth raises concerns; can he maintain professionalism when the team is down and at injury time? United’s high-pressure environment, that has seen the likes of Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez fail.

What fans can expect

If eventually Cunha joins United, who are currently leading the race for his signature, fans should get ready for a rollercoaster ride of match victories. This is because he is a perfect fit based on his familiarity with the 3-4-2-1 tactical approach and his records in the Premier League (25 goals in 58 games since 2023/24), ball-carrying ability, and versatility.

Here’s the vision: Cunha’s 16 goals and four assists in 30 games overshadows United’s forwards: Hojlund (3 Premier League goals), Garnacho (4), Zirkzee (4). His debut could mirror his Chelsea hat-trick: a goal from a dribble, a long-range screamer, and a poacher’s tap-in. Expect 10-12 Premier League goals in 2025/26, based on his current rate. Picture Cunha drifting left, linking with Fernandes, and feeding probably Delap, Osimhen or Hojlund. His passes and runs could unlock defenses, as seen in his 1.4 key passes per 90. Fans will see Garnacho shift to wing-back or the bench.

Cunha’s flair, waving to fans, or other acts before games promises to rekindle United’s swagger. His goal contributions against United suggest he can deliver in big moments, like Rashford’s 2019 PSG penalty. His match suspensions, due to his unprofessional conduct can make fans become aggressive, but Amorim has to provide the mentorship for him. If he channels this aggression together with his talent he could end up as a legend like Eric Cantona, not a regret like Sanchez.

Conclusion

United’s pursuit is advancing. There are reports of positive talks on personal terms, with Cunha’s agent meeting officials. United must sell Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, or Antony to fund the £62.5 million clause, but Cunha’s openness to United over Newcastle, Arsenal, or Chelsea shows this could be possible. Cunha’s potential move is a statement of intent. United’s poor attacking threat, demands his spark. For a club desperate in need of flair, goals, and defiance as seen in their Lyon heroics, Cunha can be the band aid to Amorim’s attack and revive United’s philosophy. Old Trafford awaits its new Brazilian star. Will he be the one to “save” United, as many fans have claimed? The stage is set.