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How Matheus Cunha’s mental growth made him ready for Manchester United

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 9:42 AM ET

Matheus Cunha has settled in well at Manchester United since his summer arrival, though that might not have been the case a few years ago.

Ineos acted quickly to secure a £62.5m move for Matheus Cunha on the very first day of the summer transfer window.

According to journalist Julien Laurens, United were linked with Matheus Cunha back in 2022, but no deal was ever completed.

Cunha grew up supporting Manchester United and called his move in the summer a “dream”. He arrived and took over the famous No.10 shirt, which comes with plenty of expectation.

“I think it helps that I already lived in Europe for some time,” said Cunha. “Because sometimes this adaptation is difficult for South American players.”

Matheus Cunha arrived at Old Trafford with more experience than he’d had earlier in his career

During the summer window, Amorim focused on bringing in players already familiar with the Premier League, hoping they would be better equipped to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Cunha was one of those signings, and he quickly became a key figure for United. Amorim even referred to him as a “maverick,” highlighting the unique qualities that set him apart.

Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images

“Cunha is a maverick. Cunha does things that are hard to find in some players because he plays with the ball, but he has an aura that can do something to opponent’s heads and that is really important.”

The Brazilian’s form at United earned him a call-up for international duty, and he spoke about how much he had matured over recent years.

“The way I see that period (missing out on the last World Cup) is as a negative experience, one that was very painful, but it definitely made me learn and become stronger today.

Matheus Cunha’s growth was key to Manchester United’s success

Ruben Amorim was focused on signing players with Premier League experience during the summer window, hoping that familiarity would help ease the transition into his side.

Cunha arrived alongside Bryan Mbeumo, who had spent five years at Brentford. Both players looked prepared for the step up to Old Trafford, and their experience has paid off.

Cunha grew up supporting Manchester United and described his move as a “dream”. He took on the number 10 shirt, which carries significant weight at a club like United.

So far, he’s handled that pressure well. The 26-year-old recently spoke about how his journey helped him prepare mentally for this moment in his career.

Ruben Amorim praises Matheus Cunha’s unique presence

Mbeumo and Cunha both benefited from their time in England before arriving at Old Trafford. They’ve adjusted quickly, helped by knowing what to expect from the league.

Cunha took part in two European competitions under Lopetegui last season and carried much of Wolves’ attacking responsibility after Sasa Kalajdzic suffered another ACL injury just weeks into the campaign.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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