Bruno Fernandes is going nowhere anytime soon, but Manchester United might already have found his successor and the potential new vice-captain.
Manchester United has a strong leadership group under Michael Carrick, with several captains, lots of experienced players, and big personalities.
But with Casemiro gone, Harry Maguire likely in his final year at the club, and Lisandro Martinez also potentially coming to the end of his time, United need to be looking to the future at potential vice-captains and a long-term Bruno Fernandes successor.
Youri Tielemans arrives with captain qualities, but Andrey Santos‘ admission about another new teammate could indicate United already had a player settling into the leadership role, following in Fernandes’ footsteps.
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Matheus Cunha growing into leadership position at Manchester United
While Matheus Cunha might have only arrived at Manchester United last summer, already he feels like part of the furniture after a stellar opening season.
On and off the pitch, Cunha is hugely popular with supporters and his teammates. Toward the back end of last season, Cunha was contributing with a Fernandes-level consistency.
But in terms of his character and leadership, Cunha is also becoming an important player.
Andrey Santos revealed this to club media while doing an interview following his move to United for £48m this summer.
“I’m so excited to meet Cunha. I already sent a message to him”, Santos revealed.
“And he said to me, ‘If you need something, just ask me.’ And he said, ‘Welcome to the big club.’”
Cunha reaching out to Santos and offering him a guiding hand is a job for club leaders, so Cunha has entered himself into this role.
Last summer, Fernandes helped Cunha settle at United, and so now the Brazilian is returning the favour to the club’s newest recruit, which is a legacy of Fernandes’ leadership being passed along.
Cunha is a leader on the pitch and has been since he joined, but now his actions off the pitch are adding to him being a leader at United.
What is your verdict on Matheus Cunha’s debut season for Man United?
Cunha could become a superstar during the 2026/27 campaign
As far as debut seasons go at Manchester United, they don’t come more impressive than Cunha’s during the 2025/26 season, in which he was a superstar who got better as the season progressed.
From the new year on, Cunha was a different player, scoring and assisting, while his performance levels in general quickly saw him become a bit of a cult hero for United.
At every club he’s played for, Cunha’s second season was a huge improvement, particularly at Wolves, where Cunha was incredible during season two, which is a scary thought if he evolves and has a doubly good campaign for United.
- 33 games
- 10 goals
- 4 assists
- (7 goals and 3 assists post New Year)
On and off the pitch, Cunha is becoming a star for Manchester United, a potential future captain, and a player that Michael Carrick needs to build around this coming season and beyond.
Don’t be shocked if he ends up challenging Fernandes for the United player of the season in the upcoming campaign and also dons the armband in the unlikely absence of Fernandes.
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