Why Manchester United’s ‘Maverick’ Signing Fixes Three Key Problems for Ruben Amorim

Manchester United announced the £62.5m signing of the “maverick” Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers this Monday upon the opening of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old Brazilian forward, fresh from his Premier League best season to date with 15 goals and six assists in 33 appearances for the Midlands side, will bring fresh attacking impetus to Ruben Amorim’s goal-shy Red Devils, who have scored just 44 league goals in a miserable domestic campaign that saw them finish in a record low 15th position. The move, a five-year-deal with the option of a further year,  is expected to be formalised upon Cunha’s return from international duty in mid-June. Let’s look at what the former Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig and FC Sion forward can bring to the team as Amorim sets about revamping his ailing squad.

Matheus Cunha: The All-Round Forward Capable of Genius and Lunacy

Link-up Play

To watch Manchester United this past season, particularly from an attacking perspective, was to watch a group of aimless individuals attempt to make something happen without the slightest hint of offensive cohesion. With Matheus Cunha’s arrival and ability to knit attacking phases of play together with clever movement and ball retention, the likes of Amad and Joshua Zirkzee could benefit and see more of their intelligent play come to fruition.

Versatility

A key strength of the Brazilian is his ability to play in multiple positions across the front line and also in attacking midfield. According to Transfermarkt, Cunha played 14 of his 33 games for Wolves this season in an attacking midfield position, with nine appearances coming as a second striker and six as a centre forward. In a season that has seen United’s dearth of creativity come to the fore, the forward’s willingness to adapt to new positions and systems, and his experience of playing in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Amorim favours, makes him an ideal first signing in what is a vital summer of overhaul at Old Trafford.

Directness

Whilst Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho are more than capable of carrying the ball and beating defenders, the Red Devils have missed a progressive ball carrier on a consistent basis all season. Cunha possesses impressive dribbling skills and is crucially more successful in his dribbling than United’s existing options in this area.

For example, whilst Garnacho had more progressive carries per 90 than Cunha this season (5.78 compared to 3.88), the Brazilian had a far superior take-on success rate (45% compared to the Argentine’s 29%), suggesting that the Brazilian is far more productive in possession and, crucially, in front of goal than the players already at Old Trafford.

Confidence

Manchester United’s worst-ever league position, amassing a paltry 42 points, has left the Red Devils’ confidence at a nadir, whereas Cunha is coming off the best season of his career. Premier League proven and an established member of Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao , the Brazilian could bring the arrogance and swagger needed to kick-start if not a new era, then at least a very long and winding rebuild. Not afraid to ask for the ball in difficult situations and work hard on and off the ball, the forward could conceivably quickly become a fan favourite on Sir Matt Busby Way.

A Good Signing But Beware of Temper

There is no doubt that Matheus Cunha constitutes an excellent start to what is a crucial summer window for Manchester United, but the signing does not come without risk. If there is one thing that Ruben Amorim has to keep in check with the Brazilian forward, his combustible temperament represents something of a conundrum for the Portuguese manager. Separate incidents against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Bournemouth in the FA Cup underlined his tendency, albeit infrequent, to let the red mist get the better of him at crucial moments.

With that being said, playing on the edge is often what gives great players that little bit extra to decide games, much like United legends of yesteryear such as Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney.

Ruben Amorim is determined to guide Manchester United back to the top of the table. By signing Matheus Cunha, a player seemingly perfectly suited to his formation and with several strengths that immediately improve the offensive output of the team, he, and the Red Devils, are showing their intent to get it right this summer.