Gary Neville, former English footballer and current television pundit, presents with NBC Sport prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England.Gary Neville, former English footballer and current television pundit, presents with NBC Sport prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Gary Neville, former English footballer and current television pundit, presents with NBC Sport prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. | Getty Images
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has been looking ahead to next season
Eight-time Premier League winner Gary Neville has predicted that Matheus Cunha could be “a spark” to help light up Manchester United’s 2025-26 season.
The Brazilian midfielder has completed his move from Wolves to Old Trafford after the Red Devils activated his £62.5m release clause. Cunha was linked with a number of clubs in January before penning a new contract at Wolves but the 26-year-old appeared to only have eyes for United, as he had no qualms joining the Red Devils despite Ruben Amorim’s side missing out on European football.
Cunha netted 15 goals and provided six assists in the Premier League for Wolves in the most recent campaign. No United player reached double figures for Premier League goals last season while must of the creative burden fell to Bruno Fernandes, who netted eight times and provided eight assists.
And Neville believes Cunha’s arrival could help change fortunes at United.
Gary Neville gives verdict on Matheus Cunha to Man Utd
Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer Podcast, Neville said: "When your club signs a player, you should be excited. We know some of the players that play in his position are going to leave," explained the pundit. "Cunha’s goals have been growing in the last couple of years. He had a decent return for a club that has been near the bottom of the Premier League [rather] than the top.
"Am I excited? Yeah, I am excited by it because United need players who know the Premier League, have got a bit more robustness about them in terms of what they’ve been through before and being at Wolves… that’ll be tough because they lose quite a few matches.
"I’m hoping he comes to Old Trafford and sees this vast pitch, this amazing stadium, with 75,000 fans who love a player who can take someone on, someone who can travel with the ball. I’m hoping that he can shine a light. I’m not saying one player is going to change what’s going on at the moment, but one player can be a spark."
Matheus Cunha will ease creative burden on Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes was the subject of major interest from the Saudi Pro League with the midfielder offered a mega-money deal by Al-Hilal. He rejected that proposal to remain at the Red Devils. He of course will continue to remain an important player having been a shining light in recent seasons for the club.
Cunha’s 21 goal contributions in the Premier League bettered the entirety of United’s squad and his arrival will take some pressure off Fernandes to be the one do the majority of scoring and creating for Amorim’s side.
The signing of Cunha could also help boost Fernandes’ own output as he gets the chance to play alongside a player who has shown his capability to produce strong numbers in the Premier League - as Neville’s prediction could come true with Cunha potentially lifting those around him.
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