How would Cunha improve Manchester United’s attack?

After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, Manchester United were expected to strengthen their attacking line this summer. And they have done just that with the acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Cunha, who scored 31 goals in 76 games in all competitions for Wolves after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023. The Brazilian has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

Speaking after the official confirmation of his arrival, Cunha said: “It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player. Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team, and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt. I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.

“I can’t wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my team-mates and prepare for the season ahead. All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team, and helping get this club back to the top.”

He is a high-profile signing of sorts and comes in with a bit of Premier League experience. Despite making several additions to the attack in previous transfer windows, Manchester United have been passive in attack. Against signing outside the Premier League, they have settled for a man with some top-flight experience in English football, and Ruben Amorim must be pleased. 

With the Red Devils not in Europe in the 2025-26 season, Cunha’s arrival could see Manchester United tickets get some attention and patronage from the fans.  

Below are three key ways Cunha could enhance Manchester United’s attacking threat.

Injecting Directness and Fluidity into United’s Attack

“Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window.

“He has proved his ability to succeed in the Premier League as one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolves, and, before that, in Spain and Germany. He has all the qualities we are looking for as we seek to build a strong, dynamic and entertaining team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”

Manchester United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, said those words in Cunha’s official statement release. Manchester United wanted their man, and they have got him. 

One thing that Manchester United’s attack often lacks is fluidity. Rasmus Højlund, who joined the club for £72m from Serie A side Atalanta, is a promising centre-forward but was frequently isolated or crowded out in games. Marcus Rashford struggled for consistency and was eventually loaned out to Aston Villa, while Antony and Sancho failed to offer sufficient end product before being shipped out as well. 

On this one, Cunha brings in constant movement and verticality. At Wolves, he thrived by taking up multiple positions in attack for the side. He was a constant figure in their buildup, and can also lead the line in the absence of other out-and-out strikers. In the 2024-25 season, Cunha was Wolves’ top goalscorer in 2024/25 and had a major impact in their Premier League survival. The 26-year-old scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists across 36 appearances in all competitions — a testament to his ability to both score and create. 

Cunah’s ability to pick up the ball in midfield areas and surge forward breaks opposition lines—something United lacked too often when teams sat deep. By the way,  Cunha doesn’t stay static. 

Another thing he brings to Old Trafford is his positional versatility, which allows him to switch between the No. 9 and No. 10 roles, drifting wide or interchanging with teammates—something United sorely missed in games they dominated possession-wise but struggled to break through.

Versatility Across the Front Three

Cunha’s biggest trait is his positional flexibility in attack. He can play as a central striker, a second striker, or off either flank. This versatility offers tactical flexibility and solves multiple issues for United in a single signing. This is something the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Højlund do not offer better than Cunha.

Amorim is a firm worshipper of the three at the back formation, which means he will need at least two forwards in his set-up at every given time. When Højlund is unavailable or off-form, Cunha can lead the line on his own. 

If Amorim wants to play a more fluid 4-2-3-1 or even a 4-3-3, Cunha can slot in behind the striker or on either wing, depending on the opposition. He is comfortable with both feet, enabling him to cut inside or go wide to create chances. 

In addition to Bruno Fernandes’ decision to stay at Manchester United, Amorim can afford to give the club captain some time off with the arrival of Cunha. His ability to play multiple roles would help United deal with injuries and offer a plan B in matches. 

An Upgrade in Link-Up Play and Goalscoring Outlet

Zirkzee and Højlund can do a decent job with their link-up, but they have failed to hit the back of the net consistently, and that’s where Cunha comes in. United always finds it difficult to deal with Fernandes. So, bringing in Cunha adds another genuine source of goals, without requiring a complete structural overhaul.

Both Zirkzee and Højlund’s goal returns in the 2024-25 season were less than 20, while Cunha’s 17-goal season is his personal best, and crucially, he doesn’t need to be the focal point to score. His runs into the box, late arrivals, and ability to finish from inside and outside the area make him a multi-dimensional scorer.

Cunha, who also had a stint at Atletico Madrid, fits the mold of a support striker, someone who plays off a main forward but contributes almost equally in goal tally. In this way, Cunha complements rather than competes with Højlund. 

With this arrangement, this is a goal-sharing model that will involve Cunha, Amad, Højlund, and Fernandes, and that will make Manchester United less predictable. With Cunha, Amorim would not be banking on one player to deliver goals week in and week out.

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