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Matheus Cunha can be maverick Ruben Amorim craves at Manchester United

Matheus Cunha is Manchester United’s new maverick and a proven match-winner who is capable of transforming games in the blink of an eye.

Cunha’s £62.5 million arrival at Old Trafford will inject some sorely needed stardust to an ailing squad and provide the X-Factor that has been so desperately absent in recent times.

The club announced the signing of the 26-year-old Brazilian on a five-year deal with an option of a further year after triggering the release clause in his Wolves contract.

If Bruno Fernandes is to spurn the mega-riches of Saudi Arabia, he will discover that Cunha’s presence helps alleviate the pressure on him to provide big moments in tight matches.

At his best, when he plays with freedom, Cunha makes the game look so easy and effortless.

He is not a traditional No 9, but an attacker who drops deep into problem areas and can play all across the front three. That unpredictability with his position makes him a nightmare for opponents.

Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers challenges Yehor Yarmolyuk of Brentford

Cunha will bring some much-needed firepower to United’s attack - Getty Images/Jack Thomas

Ruben Amorim wants more versatility from his forwards and Cunha will undoubtedly provide that.

There is no question, however, that he can often be a frustration. Cunha has parts of his game and personality that will test the patience of most managers.

Voted as Wolves’s players’ player of the season, he departs Molineux with his reputation slightly tarnished.

Indeed, in the end there are not too many at Wolves who will be disappointed by his exit.

It is a misconception from those not close to Wolves that the club or its fanbase will be overly disappointed about him moving on.

Involved in online spats with fans

His tedious behaviour on social media, where he has picked fights with fans and journalists this season, has threatened to undo his sparkling performances.

Every manager, including Vitor Pereira, has criticised his lack of defensive running. There is an alarming statistic that he walked more than any player in the Premier League this season.

When he was punished with a four-game suspension towards the end of the campaign, Wolves won three and drew one of those matches without him in the team.

He was given another lengthy ban by the Football Association following a bizarre confrontation with a member of Ipswich’s security team where he removed his glasses.

Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha received a two-match suspension from the FA following the altercation - Getty Images/Catherine Ivill

His offer to pay for new glasses, in his personal hearing, actually helped reduce his ban and fine. It was a weird incident which underlined how he can sometimes be a loose cannon.

Crucially for Pereira and Wolves, the Cunha deal has been concluded swiftly. Initial fears over a summer saga quickly dissipated.

The £62.5 million will be paid in three instalments, over the next two seasons, and Pereira expects to use the funds to buy players more suited to his style of play.

Cunha’s exit is further evidence of the Wolves model under the Fosun ownership, where players are signed and then sold on for a profit. After joining from Atletico Madrid for £43 million in December 2022, Cunha now becomes the club’s record sale.

He has scored 31 goals in 76 appearances and there can be no revisionism in stating that he was a hugely successful signing who provided some magical moments.

A hat-trick at Chelsea and a goal in the FA Cup against Wolves’ deadly enemies West Brom endeared himself to the club’s supporters.

United now have a special player who, despite those minor issues, is someone who has all the qualities to become a cult hero.

How Amorim, and United, could do with one of them.

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