Manchester United summer signing Matheus Cunha has shown fans exactly what to expect.
Ineos moved ultra-fast in order to ensure that the Brazilian was going to be playing at Old Trafford for the 2025-26 season.
Manchester United have agreed to sign Matheus Cunha and will pay his £62.5m release clause in full over three years.
Cunha arrives as the first major signing of the summer, with Ruben Amorim getting a player he appears to be a big fan of. The signing is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be a formality with the Brazil international wrapping up his commitments with the national team, before likely completing his transfer in advance of pre-season.
Cunha has been involved under Carlo Ancelotti for the World Cup qualifiers, in which he was a starter on Tuesday night when Brazil took on Paraguay.
Matheus Cunha steals the show for Brazil
Cunha was the star of the show for Brazil in the win over Paraguay, in which he provided an assist for Vinicius Junior after showcasing a brilliant bit of tenacity to win the ball and complete the pass.
After the game, Cunha was lauded by Caio Ribero, who is a former Brazil international, for his attitude in the game.
Cunha created the most chances in the entire game with three, while it was his unsung qualities off the ball which were the most eyecatching.
Having been slammed for his walking percentages, Cunha showed for Brazil that he is far from lazy, which Amorim will have enjoyed.
The 26-year-old won nine duels in the game, made five recoveries, and also six defensive actions as he was a man of the match contender for Ancelotti’s side.
By doing this, Cunha’s role at United is now crystal clear as we better grasp what he will bring.
Matheus Cunha will take Bruno Fernandes’ role at Manchester United
The performance against Paraguay left many United fans comparing Cunha and Bruno Fernandes, with both the main creative outlet in their teams at all times, while also offering the most off the ball.
Cunha leads by example on the pitch, just like Fernandes, while they are both involved heavily in everything that goes on for their side, which makes it tough to figure out where both can fit in together.
However, with Cunha offering similar to Fernandes in the number 10 position, it may be a signal that the Portuguese star will be permanently moved back to the number eight position, where he has impressed under Amorim.
With Cunha taking the mantle further up the pitch, Fernandes can morph into a Luka Modric-esque number eight alongside potentially a new defensive midfielder.
Amorim’s team is taking shape, and the Cunha signing looks more and more impressive the longer we think about it.
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