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The 2024-25 season was, without a doubt, not to the liking of Manchester United fans.
The club finished 15th in the Premier League, and despite the chance to secure European football via the back door, they fell short, losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
It is difficult to overlook the importance of this summer for United, who must now rebuild and return to the level expected of them.
A vital transfer window at Old Trafford
This was not a summer for token additions; it was a summer that required proper level-raising signings.
INEOS had to back head coach Rúben Amorim with players tailored to his tactical system; this was essential if the project was finally to get off the ground.
The Portuguese coach was thought to be in need of specialists in the number 10 role.
Notably, For much of the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, Matheus Cunha was profiled as a perfect fit in that position under Amorim.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward was enjoying his most prolific Premier League season to date, making a compelling case to be signed, not just as a left-sided number 10 but as a high-impact creative presence.
With 17 goals and six assists in 36 league appearances for the West Midlands club, the pull became irresistible.
In a swift post-season move, INEOS reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £62.5 million deal, paving the way for the Brazilian to swap Molineux for Old Trafford.
Cunha’s arrival breathes new life into United’s attack
This signing has not just sparked hope of a revival; it may also have delivered the type of game-changer United have long been crying out for.
Last season, beyond Bruno Fernandes and perhaps Amad Diallo, there were few players capable of flipping a game on its head.
Cunha looks ready to change that.
According to Wolves manager Vítor Pereira, United may have landed exactly what they need. Speaking to Marca, he said:
“He’s a special player, capable of deciding a match in seconds. He has enormous talent. I gave him confidence to put that talent to work for the team, and he’s contributed a lot.
“However, he felt he had to leave, and now he’ll have the opportunity to reaffirm himself at a club like Manchester United.”
Cunha, a self-proclaimed United fan, seems destined to thrive at the Theatre of Dreams. He’s the kind of player you believe would run through walls for the shirt.
It is only the beginning of United’s attacking rebuild
While Pereira’s praise is reassuring, United’s glaring need for goals means this deal must be the start, not the end, of a broader attacking rebuild.
There is a growing expectation that Bryan Mbeumo will follow Cunha through the door, with a striker expected to complete the attacking rebuild.
If all goes to plan, Amorim could finally have an attack he can trust to bring United back into contention next season.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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