Matheus Cunha can expect to walk straight into Manchester United’s starting XI after his big-money move this summer.
On the very first day of the summer transfer window, Manchester United confirmed the arrival of Matheus Cunha in a £62.5 million deal from Wolves.
Ruben Amorim needed more firepower this summer with the trio of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all expected to leave.
Last season, Matheus Cunha scored 17 goals in all competitions and was a brilliant leader for a Wolves side that finished level on points with United.
Cunha is one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers, and one stat in particular proves he will be a direct upgrade for Amorim’s starting XI.
Split image of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
Credit: Copa/JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha is a direct upgrade on Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho has been told to find a new club following his comments in the Europa League final, where he appeared to question Amorim’s line-up.
Losing the talented 20-year-old will cause concern for some fans, but when comparing Cunha to Garnacho, there is a clear winner.
Last season, Garnacho only scored 11 goals in all competitions, with just six coming in the Premier League.
More United News
Incredibly, Garnacho missed 14 big chances in the Premier League last season, more than any other United player.
Alejandro Garnacho 2024/25 stats Matheus Cunha
6 Goals 15
14 Big chances missed 2
84 Shots attempted 110
Alejandro Garnacho compared with Matheus Cunha, Premier League stats 2024/25.
In comparison, Cunha scored 15 goals in the Premier League and only missed two big chances across the entire season. When it comes to being a clinical finisher, there is no argument to be had.
Matheus Cunha fixes big Alejandro Garnacho problem
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his tactics, and it means the idea for the 2025/26 season is clear to everyone.
Cunha is perfect for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system that he will play next season, having experienced a similar style of play at Wolves.
Cunha is hoping to emulate Wayne Rooney at United having idolised the Red Devils legend growing up. He is expected to play on the right of the front three next season.
READ MORE: Matheus Cunha explains moment of magic against Man Utd that left Andre Onana embarrassed, ‘Asked me to shoot’…
While Cunha will know exactly where he fits in Amorim’s plan, the same cannot be said for Garnacho. Last season, Garnacho found himself exposed in Amorim’s formation due to his desire to play out wide.
Driving inside and linking up play is not Garnacho’s biggest strength, and now it seems Ineos are ready to cash in and move on with Cunha as the starting No.10.