Matheus Cunha shows character with upcoming local appearance

Matheus Cunha’s arrival at Manchester United over the summer was framed as a statement of intent.

The Red Devils activated his £62.5 million release clause at Wolves, bringing in a forward who had just helped keep the Midlands club in the Premier League and who was clear that Old Trafford was his dream destination.

For Ruben Amorim, it was the first big attacking piece of his rebuild, secured despite United not being able to offer any form of European football this season.

As such, Cunha’s signing set the tone for a different type of recruitment drive.

Rather than chasing names simply because they were available, United focused on players who actively wanted to be part of Amorim’s project.

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko followed with the same passion to be a Red Devil, both forwards described as being attracted by the opportunity to help restore Manchester United to the top, rather than joining a ready-made Champions League contender.

This togetherness has been visible in the way Amorim’s squad has started to gel on the pitch, but also in how the players have embraced the wider life around the club.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford and Carrington has been repeatedly praised by staff as more connected and aligned, with Bruno Fernandes taking Matheus Cunha under his wing.

Altrincham Today has reported that Cunha is now set to take that connection into the local area by helping to turn on the Christmas lights in Altrincham.

The Brazil international is doing so as part of the town’s annual “Neon Noel” celebrations, appearing alongside Dancing on Ice winner and Coronation Street actor Sam Aston.

The 26-year-old, who grew up supporting United in Brazil and idolising Wayne Rooney, has already become a favourite among supporters for his relentless work rate and willingness to play across the front line.

Now he is showing the same energy in his off-field commitments and for Manchester United, the symbolism matters.

Having a major summer signing choose to live locally in Hale and actively participate in community events underlines his desire to be part of the wider fabric of the club’s home rather than just commuting in for matches and training.

It reinforces the idea that the current squad is buying into the area as much as the badge.

This move also highlights recent comments from Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been impressed by the way Carrington’s redevelopment has created a more open-plan, collaborative working environment, hinting that United are rediscovering their “family club” feel behind the scenes.

By stepping up for an event like Altrincham’s Christmas lights switch-on, Matheus Cunha is providing a perfect example of that culture in action, a key player showing he wants to contribute to both the dressing room and the community that surrounds it.