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Matheus Cunha will walk into the Manchester United starting lineup after becoming the club’s first signing of the summer window.
United moved quickly to sign the 25-year-old forward from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal, giving Ruben Amorim the attacking upgrade he needed.
With Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho all expected to move on, Amorim wanted a proven goalscorer and Cunha fits the bill.
The Brazilian finished last season with 17 goals in all competitions and played a huge role in a Wolves team that finished level on points with United in the Premier League.
With Garnacho on the way out, Cunha looks the obvious choice to step straight into the starting XI next season. Their stats from last year make the argument clear.
What numbers say about Garnacho vs Cunha
Garnacho’s reputation suffered after the Europa League final, where he appeared to question Amorim’s line-up decisions. The club has since made it clear he’s free to leave this summer.
When you look at last season’s numbers, it’s easy to see why United are happy to move on. Garnacho scored just six Premier League goals, missing 14 big chances, the most of any player in the squad.
Cunha, meanwhile, hit 15 league goals and missed only two big chances. Here’s how their numbers compare:
| Alejandro Garnacho | 2024/25 stats | Matheus Cunha |
| 6 | Goals | 15 |
| 14 | Big chances missed | 2 |
| 84 | Shots attempted | 110 |
Cunha’s efficiency in front of goal should provide the kind of reliability Amorim is looking for in his front line.
Cunha fits Amorim’s system, while Garnacho does not
Amorim has shown no signs of changing his tactical approach at United, and Cunha looks like a perfect fit for the 3-4-2-1 system he’ll use next season. The Brazilian played a similar role at Wolves, making him a natural plug-and-play option.
Cunha has said that he grew up idolizing Wayne Rooney, and he’ll likely take up a role on the right side of the front three – a position that plays to his strengths in link-up play and finishing inside the box.
Garnacho, by contrast, struggled to adapt to the same shape last season. He was at his best staying wide and running at defenders, but that profile doesn’t fit the roles Amorim wants from his front three. As a result, Ineos appear ready to cash in while his value remains high.
With Cunha arriving and Garnacho heading towards the exit, United’s attack is starting to take shape for the new season. On paper, it looks like a step in the right direction.
More must-reads:
- Newcastle's record bid for Isak replacement rejected as club shifts focus
- Tottenham Hotspur star's LAFC transfer raises eyebrows for the right reasons
- The 'NBA playoff point-per-game leaders' quiz
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