Becoming a Manchester United legend is no easy feat, but Matheus Cunha has all the qualities needed to make it happen.
Over the past decade or so, few Manchester United signings have had as quick an impact at the club as Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian arrived as one of the best players in the Premier League, with the £62.5m fee United paid for Cunha considered a bargain for the potential quality he would bring.
Despite only scoring one goal, Cunha is considered a successful signing for United already, with his performances being largely excellent beyond his numbers.
But what is it about Cunha that makes him so special?
Matheus Cunha has everything to become a Manchester United legend
Cunha had to wait longer than Bryan Mbeumo to get off the mark at United, but this hasn’t meant he has been any less impressive.
Cunha’s goal for United against Brighton was long overdue, and it was a special finish. Goals are vital for attackers, and Cunha finished his first for United like it was his 100th.
What makes Cunha special, however, is not his goal or creativity, but instead his ability to pick up the ball and make things happen.
Cunha’s physicality and willingness to work hard set him apart from other attackers who have failed at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian often picking the ball up deep, willing to battle and fight to relieve pressure on United.
Every time Cunha picks up the ball, he gets fans off their seats, and it is safe to say that he has the ‘IT’ factor in attack.
Additionally, Cunha is living his dreams at United, and it shows with how much he cares and plays for the badge, kissing it after his first goal for the club.
Cunha has the personality, talent, and attitude to be a United legend; now we just wait and see if he can earn this label in the next few years.
What Manchester United figures have said about Matheus Cunha
After his £65m transfer, Mbeumo expressed excitement to play with Cunha, with the pair two of the best in the league.
“Obviously, I watched him play a lot with Wolves”, Mbeumo explained. “I know he’s a very good player, and yeah, I am sure he’s going to bring something to the team.”
United CEO Omar Berrada compared Cunha with Eric Cantona, a label that is beginning to stick.
“He’s a player that I think fans are going to love. We can talk about his technical abilities and he can play in three different positions. He’s a playmaking attacking midfielder; he can score goals, he can make assists.
“I think he’s going to lift people off their seats. He’s got a bit of a swagger about him that people are going to really like. Dare I say, (Eric) Cantona-esque.”
Jason Wilcox raved about Cunha after securing his signature, demonstrating what a coup it was for the club.
“He has proved his ability to succeed in the Premier League as one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolves, and, before that, in Spain and Germany.
“He has all the qualities we are looking for as we seek to build a strong, dynamic, and entertaining team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”
Additionally, Sammy McIlroy praised Cunha before United even signed him, as he couldn’t wait to call the Brazilian a Red Devil.
“He could be perfect as a number 10. Very skilful Brazilian, unbelievable for a relegation-threatened Wolves side.
“That’s the type of player that we need. I must admit he is a little bit temperamental as well, so he’s going to have to be used well by Amorim. But on his day, he can be a match-winner and also a crowd-pleaser, which United fans love.”
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