Man Utd Need More From Matheus Cunha to Revive Attack

Matheus Cunha’s start at Manchester United has not lived up to the high expectations set upon his arrival. Signed for £62.5 million after a stellar season at Wolves, Cunha was hailed for his flair and determination, with club CEO Omar Berrada even drawing Cantona comparisons. This set the stage for a challenging debut season, and the pressure to deliver as United’s difference-maker has only grown as the campaign progresses.

Matheus Cunha’s Early Struggles at Manchester United

Matheus Cunha arrived at Old Trafford to great fanfare, with hopes he would finally fill United’s long-standing void for a dynamic forward. His first statements expressed his dream come true, referencing Wayne Rooney’s all-action style as his inspiration. However, the Brazilian’s performances have mirrored his team’s inconsistency. Despite a promising debut against Arsenal, his opening months saw minimal goal contributions and notable disappointments, including a missed penalty in a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.

His breakthrough against Brighton, where he scored and earned Player of the Match, was seen as a turning point. But subsequent matches, including a subdued display versus West Ham and a lackluster performance in a 1-1 draw with Wolves, highlighted ongoing struggles. Cunha’s tendency to drop deep rather than attack the box and his inefficient finishing have become recurring issues, keeping his expected goals (xG) and assists below expectations.

Adapting to Tactical Changes and Increased Pressure

The managerial shift from Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 to Darren Fletcher’s 4-2-3-1 has further complicated Cunha’s adaptation. Often deployed out of his favored left-sided or central attacking roles, Cunha has found it hard to influence matches, especially with Bruno Fernandes reclaiming the No.10 spot. The return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from the Africa Cup of Nations will further intensify competition for wide positions, leaving Cunha at risk of being squeezed out unless he elevates his performance.

Manchester United’s Transfer Gamble: Lessons Unlearned?

United’s transfer policy has drawn criticism, especially after another big-money acquisition, Benjamin Sesko, also underwhelmed. Cunha’s prolific spell at Wolves—where he outperformed his xG and excelled in a less scrutinized environment—may have masked underlying inconsistencies. At Atletico Madrid, he similarly struggled to make a sustained impact, raising doubts about his ability to thrive under the spotlight at an elite club like United.

Calls for Marcus Rashford’s Return—A Risky Distraction

As Cunha’s struggles persist, some supporters are calling for Marcus Rashford’s return from his Barcelona loan. Rashford has rediscovered some form in La Liga, but United’s decision to offload him, along with other disruptive players, was aimed at restoring squad harmony. Reintegrating Rashford could disrupt the progress made in the dressing room. While Rashford’s two-footedness and directness would boost United’s attack, his previous inconsistency and influence on the dressing room cannot be ignored.

For now, United must focus on helping Cunha adapt, as his commitment and team-first attitude stand in contrast to Rashford’s past issues. It is a gamble worth persisting with, especially as Cunha remains a better ball carrier and passer than his potential rival for a starting spot.

Unlocking the Best of Matheus Cunha

United’s hopes for a top-five finish depend on getting more from Matheus Cunha. Despite taking more shots than almost any Premier League forward this season—second only to Erling Haaland—Cunha’s average shot distance and limited presence in the opposition box have hindered his productivity. For Cunha to deliver on his price tag and potential, he must become more incisive in the final third and convert opportunities with greater efficiency.

United cannot afford to be patient indefinitely. With mounting pressure from fans and the threat of further squad changes in the summer, Cunha has only a few months to prove he can be the player United need.

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Opinion: Patience Over Rash Decisions

Bringing Marcus Rashford back may be tempting, but it risks undoing the progress United have made toward building a healthier squad culture. Matheus Cunha, with his work rate and desire, deserves more time to adapt to the club’s expectations and tactical demands. With the right support and positional clarity, Cunha could still emerge as a cornerstone of United’s future—something a quick-fix return for Rashford is unlikely to provide.