Manchester United’s season hinges on three games but the preparation for the next season is already underway with Matheus Cunha firmly in the club’s sights.
Matheus Cunha’s links to Man Utd have developed rapidly to the point where the deal can be considered a matter of when, not if.
It is why Man Utd fans were ecstatic at Cunha’s performance vs Leicester in Wolves’ recent game as the Brazilian scored once and assisted the other two goals in a 3-0 win.
However, now that Cunha seems fairly in the bag, watching the game it was clear that his teammate should now be United’s primary target after the Brazilian.
Man Utd should go to Matheus Cunha’s teammate next
There are clear priorities with which United are attacking the market which is a breath of fresh air after years of scattergun recruitment under the Glazers.
After Cunha, it would be a surprise if the next player isn’t a striker, and United’s links to Liam Delap are already developing as Cunha’s did.
In the meantime, however, United need to keep their eyes open and pounce on any potential opportunity to improve the squad elsewhere.
That’s where Matheus Cunha’s Wolves teammate comes in, who impressed arguably as much as the Brazilian vs Leicester but flew under the radar.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, starting as the left wing-back, assisted Cunha’s goal and finished the game with the most completed dribbles and most duels won.
He was at his all-action best as a dynamic wing-back, covering acres of space and being a menace in both boxes, showcasing his otherworldly athleticism and ever-improving end product.
While left wing-back seems like a position United don’t need to strengthen, it could change very soon.
Rayan Ait-Nouri will be needed by Man Utd
Diogo Dalot’s potentially season-ending injury has thrown light on how understaffed Man Utd are on the wing-back positions, especially ideal fits.
Harry Amass’ breakout has happened but he won’t be relied upon to play every week next season, while Patrick Dorgu is also just 20 and needs competition.
Luke Shaw is no longer a wing-back and Noussair Mazraoui deserves clarity on his position after running errands everywhere this season.
A proper, first-choice left wing-back will allow Dorgu to bring his trademark intensity every game, especially if United’s schedule is packed with Champions League fixtures.
Amass can thrive in that “exciting backup” squad role, learning from Ait-Nouri and getting minutes here and there because there will be plenty of minutes to go around.
Most importantly, it will allow United to finally use Dalot like he should be in Amorim’s system, as the right-sided centre-back and an emergency wing-back.
It remains to be seen, however, how open Wolves will be to letting him leave, having already lost Cunha to United.
Still, United would miss a huge trick if they don’t even explore this option.
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