AGIF

Manchester United eyeing rising 22-year-old Brazilian star; €10 million fee mooted

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated May 27, 2025 8:13 AM ET

Manchester United are interested in Brazilian defender Cuiabano

The transfer market never rests, and Europe’s elite clubs are already casting a watchful eye over emerging talents from South America. The continent’s domestic leagues, long known as a breeding ground for young, dynamic players, continue to offer rich opportunities for clubs seeking to bolster specific areas of their squads. For Manchester United, who have struggled with defensive inconsistencies throughout the current campaign, reinforcement at the back is becoming a top priority heading into next season. Their latest focus: Brazil, and more specifically, Botafogo.

According to Trivela, Manchester United have registered interest in Cuiabano, a 22-year-old Brazilian defender currently making headlines with his performances. United are not alone in their pursuit, with Tottenham Hotspur also tracking the versatile full-back, a factor that could complicate negotiations. The reported asking price of around €10 million makes him a financially feasible target for Premier League clubs. Cuiabano has impressed not just with his defensive capabilities but also with his attacking contributions, having tallied two goals and five assists this season. His ability to operate both as a traditional left-back and in more advanced roles along the left flank underscores his tactical flexibility.

Within the context of Rúben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, Cuiabano’s profile aligns well with the demands of the system. The role of the wide players in this setup requires athleticism, attacking intent, and defensive reliability, qualities the Brazilian appears to possess. His speed, sharp one-on-one defending, and keen understanding of the wing dynamics could make him a natural fit for Amorim’s tactical framework. In a squad looking to modernise and adapt, Cuiabano could prove to be a shrewd and timely acquisition.

While Cuiabano still has areas to refine, particularly on the defensive side, his age and potential make him an intriguing candidate to challenge Luke Shaw, whose season has been marked by inconsistency. The competition with Tottenham for his signature is expected to be intense, but Manchester United may hold the upper hand by offering a more structured long-term project, a richer club history, and greater squad depth, despite Spurs’ recent Europa League triumph.

Timing and communication will be crucial. Should United move swiftly and present a clear development pathway and defined role within Rúben Amorim’s system, they could gain a decisive advantage in the race. More broadly, this potential acquisition signals a strategic pivot towards investing in emerging talent rather than relying solely on established stars. If supported by a coherent sporting policy, this shift could yield long-term benefits.

Ultimately, the success of the deal will hinge on how well the club prioritizes the signing and how convincingly it can articulate Cuiabano’s place in the team’s future.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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