Matheus Cunha is quickly becoming a fan favourite at Manchester United following his summer transfer.
Manchester United moved quickly and snapped up a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha on the very first day of the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian playmaker was at the very top of Ineos’ shopping list this summer, and it didn’t take long for Cunha to dazzle United fans in training and over pre-season.
Unfortunately, Cunha suffered an injury against Burnley and now faces a race to be fit for the upcoming Manchester derby.
While Matheus Cunha is yet to score or assist for the Red Devils, he is already becoming a key figure at Old Trafford both on and off the pitch.
Matheus Cunha in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha can become the new face of Manchester United
Throughout every generation, there is always one player who tends to be the ‘face’ of a football club – a leader, a character, and often the player everyone looks to in times of need.
That honour at Manchester United used to lie with Marcus Rashford, with the Carrington graduate seen by many as the future of the football club.
In previous generations, players such as George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney have been the leading figure in the United squad.
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Currently, club captain Bruno Fernandes has ‘stepped up’ whenever needed, and he continues to lead the club brilliantly. But with rumours of an exit on the horizon, the baton will be passed over sooner rather than later.
Cunha has been compared to Cantona because of his confidence and character, and he certainly doesn’t look out of place in a United shirt.
Cunha was delighted to get the No.10 shirt knowing the history behind the iconic figure, and he has the opportunity to become the next legendary figure to lead the Red Devils.
Matheus Cunha is perfect replacement for Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has easily been United’s best and most important player since his arrival in 2020.
The Portuguese playmaker has dragged United out of many difficult situations, and he even steered the club clear of a relegation battle last season.
Fernandes rejected a £100m move to Saudi Arabia this summer in a huge show of loyalty, but the harsh truth is that United will need to start planning for life without their incredible No.8.
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But in Cunha, United already have a brilliant replacement. Cunha is comfortable playing in the No.10 or even as a striker in Ruben Amorim’s system. His arrival has even pushed Fernandes back to central midfield.
When Fernandes does eventually depart, United have already found a natural leader and creator in Cunha. At 26 years old, he is entering his prime years at Old Trafford and he is the kind of player to thrive with extra responsibility – like Fernandes.