Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted that Ineos could shift their transfer approach around one Red Devils star’s impact at the World Cup.
Several of Michael Carrick’s first-team Manchester United players are away at the FIFA tournament this summer, including Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.
The World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is heading towards the knockout stages of the competition now after its 11th June start.
Rio Ferdinand returned with a new episode of his podcast and the 47-year-old United legend focused on what he has seen from Matheus Cunha for Brazil so far.
Is Matheus Cunha on track to becoming a Brazil legend after being praised by Ronaldo?
Ronaldo sent Cunha a message on social media praising him as Brazil's No.9
Rio Ferdinand says Matheus Cunha’s role for Brazil could alter Ineos’ pursuit for a new Man Utd forward in the transfer market
Matheus Cunha is at his first World Cup this summer and the 27-year-old Manchester United forward is a key player for Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Red Devils are expected to reinforce key areas of the United first-team squad this summer, including the midfield and potentially bringing in a new forward.
Rio Ferdinand insisted that United cannot solely rely on Benjamin Sesko as the main forward option for the Red Devils’ 2026-27 campaign under Michael Carrick.
However, the former Man Utd and England defender admitted that Cunha’s run of form as a forward for Brazil could shift Ineos to looking for a winger instead.
“We’re now talking about a Man United player, Cunha,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“And I think for Manchester United, they’ll be looking at this closely because I think Sesko has done really well when he came to Man United.
“But he can’t be the only No 9 that we have at the football club. So, Man United will be looking in the transfer window this summer.
“But Cunha, I think he will be sitting there going, ‘Maybe you need to look for another left winger, mate, because I can be your back-up number nine if need be.’”
Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko become second ever PL trio to score 10+ goals in debut season🔥
What an incredible achievement, how many goals should they each be aiming for in 2026/27?
How Carlo Ancelotti has been using Man Utd star Matheus Cunha for Brazil at the World Cup
Cunha played in the left-sided No 10 role under Ruben Amorim and on the left wing under Michael Carrick during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign at Old Trafford.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has relied on the former Wolves ace to play down the centre, with Cunha coming off the bench as a substitute striker against Morocco.
Following Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco, Ancelotti rolled the dice and started Cunha as the centre-forward in the five-time World Cup champions’ last two Group C matches.
Cunha made a stunning impact against Haiti after he netted a brace in the 3-0 win before the Man Utd star scored against Scotland in Brazil’s recent 3-0 victory.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
