Manchester United moved quickly to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves this summer but not everyone was convinced it was the right decision.
It was the very first day of the summer transfer window when Manchester United confirmed a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha, having already laid the groundwork for the Brazilian to move to Old Trafford.
Cunha scored his first United goal in the recent 4-2 win over Brighton, having gone eight matches without registering a goal or assist for the Red Devils.
On paper, it may seem as though United’s No.10 endured a difficult start to the season, but in reality, it was quite the opposite.
Cunha was world-class at Anfield as United beat Liverpool on Merseyside for the first time in nine years, and the Brazilian playmaker has immediately added a new dynamic to Ruben Amorim’s side.
Jamie O’Hara got it all wrong about Matheus Cunha
Ahead of his Old Trafford arrival, United were warned about Cunha’s work rate after it was pointed out that he walked more often than any other player in the Premier League.
But Cunha has silenced his haters at United within nine games. The Brazilian is quickly becoming a fan favourite, and his attitude has been spot on.
As quoted by Goal, back in April pundit Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m a bit sceptical of Matheus Cunha. He’s a brilliantly talented footballer, but has he got the desire to become the best he can be, week-in, week-out for Manchester United?
“That means working hard and grafting. Cunha is the player who walks the most in the Premier League – is that going to cut it at United? I’m not sure.
“If I was in Cunha’s position, I’d be wondering if I wanted to sign for United in the first place, given their situation; I’m not convinced they’re a good enough side.
“They were terrible against Wolves and I don’t know where the club is headed in the near future. Apart from Bruno Fernandes, United have nothing else going for them.”
Matheus Cunha is lifting Man United out of slump
O’Hara questioned whether Cunha was the right fit for United given that the Red Devils suffered a nightmare season in 2024/25.
But actually, Cunha has qualities like Eric Cantona, including the ability to lift the quality of those around him on the pitch.
When the going gets tough, United needed more players who were willing to step up, take responsibility and take control of a game. It has not taken Cunha long to prove to United fans that he can do just that.
Amorim has praised Cunha’s mentality and attitude behind the scenes, and it is already obvious that he is a well-liked member of the squad.
Despite having only scored one goal in nine appearances, United fans will agree that Cunha’s move has been a huge success already.
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