The recent acquisition of Matheus Cunha by Wolverhampton Wanderers signifies a significant boost for the club as they seek to enhance their performance in the upcoming season. Last term, Cunha distinguished himself as a crucial player for Wolves, ending the season with an impressive tally of 17 goals and six assists across 36 matches in all competitions. This level of productivity on the field saw him play a vital role in the resurgence of the club, and United, with their apparent struggles in offensive performance, seem to view Cunha as a key element in turning their fortunes around.
Manchester United has faced considerable challenges in their attacking department, scoring a meager total of just 44 goals in the entire 2022/2023 Premier League season, marking their position as the fifth-lowest scoring team in the division. Recognizing this urgent need for a prolific striker, the club’s management has interpreted Cunha’s signing as a necessary reinvention of their attacking strategy for the next campaign. His ability to not only convert opportunities but also create them makes him a valuable asset in their quest for higher goal tallies.
When analyzing Cunha’s stats, his clinical finishing stands out compared to his new teammates at Manchester United, providing an expectation of enhanced offensive output. Over the 2023/2024 season, Cunha has found the back of the net 27 times while contributing 13 assists in just 65 appearances. In stark contrast, Rasmus Hojlund, another United forward, has managed a mere 14 goals in the same timeframe with only a couple of assists to his name. This comparison is further deepened by their distinct playing styles; while Cunha can operate flexibly across a front three, Hojlund’s role is more traditional as a central striker, shedding light on the versatility that Cunha brings to United’s attack.
Equally concerning for United has been their insufficiency in wide areas. Alejandro Garnacho has tallied 13 goals and six assists across 72 appearances since the beginning of the 2023/2024 campaign. Even though Marcus Rashford has a marginally better scoring record, his contribution is not yet at the level expected when compared with Cunha’s prolific outputs. Rashford’s 11 goals and three assists from the wing position fall significantly short of what Cunha has achieved in recent years. In fact, Cunha surpasses every other forward at United, including Antony and Amad Diallo, in goal contributions during the past two seasons, making his role pivotal for the team moving forward.
In evaluating Cunha’s fit within United’s tactical framework, special consideration has been directed towards Ruben Amorim’s managerial style, often characterized as demanding a high-intensity press coupled with rapid transitions. Analysts have noted whether United possesses the fitting personnel to implement such a system, yet Cunha appears to offer the qualities conducive to this approach. Primarily, he averages 0.80 ball recoveries in the opposition’s third per 90 minutes—only trailing behind Antony, Zirkzee, and Diallo—alongside maintaining an average of 1.21 tackles per game. This suggests that alongside his goal-scoring prowess, Cunha is willing to put in the requisite defensive work.
However, an oft-overlooked aspect is the psychological pressure associated with wearing the illustrious Manchester United shirt. Both Hojlund and Antony joined the club with substantial reputations and expectations, yet the burden of performance in such a storied club has tested even the most talented players. The weight of expectation can impose considerable stress, potentially stifling performance. While Cunha has shown the desire to compete on the grandest stages, his ability to cope with this pressure will be crucial for him to succeed in the high-stakes atmosphere of Old Trafford.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Cunha to see if he can replicate or even exceed the expectations set by his previous performances. The hopes of Manchester United’s passionate fanbase, alongside the club’s ambitions for success, rest on his shoulders as they aim for a more prolific attacking presence in the Premier League.