How Matheus Cunha compares to Alejandro Garnacho ahead of potential £62m Man United deal

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Matheus Cunha’s potential move to Manchester United could spell trouble for Alejandro Garnacho’s future.

Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth once again exposed the squad’s struggles in front of goal.

Rasmus Hojlund scored a last-gasp equaliser to rescue a point, but Ruben Amorim pointed out that his side “lost two points” after missing several big chances at the Vitality Stadium.

Alejandro Garnacho missed a clear-cut chance in the first half when his effort was tipped wide by Kepa. Garnacho has been criticised for his end product – or lack of it – this season.

United are now closing in on a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha, and the Wolves star could threaten Garnacho’s spot in the starting lineup if he completes a move to Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha stats vs Alejandro Garnacho

United in Focus were exclusively told by Graeme Bailey that Cunha is expected to replace Garnacho at Old Trafford, with the 20-year-old wanted by both Napoli and Atletico Madrid.

Data provided by SofaScore suggests that Matheus Cunha would be a direct improvement on Garnacho across several areas.

Garnacho topped Premier League appearances when he made his 52nd of the season against Bournemouth on the weekend – he has played 20 more matches than Cunha across all competitions.

Despite playing fewer matches, Cunha’s output is far superior with 17 goals and six assists across all competitions.

Amorim has urged Garnacho to play more narrow this season, and Cunha appears a much more natural fit for the 3-4-2-1 system used by the Portuguese coach.

Cunha averages more shots per game than Garnacho, but it is in his conversion rate where the difference is staggering. Cunha’s conversion rate of 16.2% is more than double that of Garnacho’s 7.1%. Amorim needs clinical finishers and Cunha fits the bill.

Ryan Giggs praised Garnacho for his ability to beat players this season, but once again Cunha comes out on top when it comes to successful dribbles. If there were any United fans unsure whether Cunha is an upgrade, this settles the debate.

Latest Alejandro Garnacho transfer updates

Ineos appear to be wasting no time approaching the summer transfer window, with United closing in on Cunha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

However, in order to fund those deals, Garnacho could be one of three United stars sold to raise money over the summer.

After Napoli bid for Garnacho in January, reports claim manager Antonio Conte is ‘obsessed’ with Garnacho and will resume his pursuit this summer.

READ MORE: Harry Maguire and Alejandro Garnacho are in complete agreement after Bournemouth clash, only one thing on their minds

However, they could face competition from Spain with Atletico Madrid interested in Garnacho after they sold the Argentine to United back in 2020.

Garnacho has been advised to leave United by club legend Rio Ferdinand as he doesn’t appear a natural fit under Amorim, who wants narrow No.10s to play behind a central striker. Cunha certainly seems a better fit, so his arrival could push Garnacho to the exit door.