Manchester United’s transfer window is hanging in the balance after signing Matheus Cunha, but Peter Schmeichel believes the club have already done something they haven’t for a while.
Signing Matheus Cunha early in the window was a big statement, but ultimately, he had a release clause, so there were no prolonged negotiations to be had.
Since then, Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer saga has dragged on while there’s no clarity over a striker.
That is aside from the outgoings, which are looking difficult, and no concrete movement is taking shape. However, Peter Schmeichel is hopeful after seeing United break a positive trend this window.
Peter Schmeichel on Man Utd transfer window
A window that promised so much early on seems to have peaked early and is now in a holding phase.
Bryan Mbeumo’s deal could trigger movement, especially since Man Utd’s financial situation means they will have to sell to buy afterwards.
Regardless, the player they have signed already, Cunha, is a big statement of intent that follows the Sir Alex Ferguson template of transfers.
Someone who is very familiar with that template is Peter Schmeichel, and he says that with Cunha’s signing, United have done something they hadn’t for a while.
Speaking on MUTV, Schmeichel said: “It’s a positive one [Cunha’s signing]. I think what we haven’t done, for a number of years, is to sign really, really good and well-performing players from the Premier League.
“And, for that to be the first signing, that is an important signal to send to everyone.”
Matheus Cunha is Man Utd being smart in the window
While it is undeniable that Man Utd still hold the pulling power and gravitas of an elite club, it should also be accepted that they are shopping in one tier below truly world-class players.
Cunha might get there at United, so can Mbeumo, but it is noticeable how United are not really in the conversation when the best players of the window move.
Competitive success is paramount, and Cunha’s signing is United being smart in the window instead of chasing names who would string them along before pulling the rug.
They’ve been there before with players like Sergio Ramos or Frenkie de Jong, or even those who did arrive, like Casemiro, who leveraged the desperation for a huge contract.
As Schmeichel says, Cunha adds proven Premier League pedigree and brings the hunger where he would want to ascend to the next level at an intensely scrutinised club.
As a club, United need players like that, who want to get better at Old Trafford while taking the team with them. If they guarantee Premier League goals, there’s nothing better.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
