Manchester United’s summer rebuild was always going to hinge on getting their attack right.
After years of inconsistency and blunt finishing, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe knew a statement move was required to restore cutting edge at Old Trafford.
That came in the form of Matheus Cunha, the £62.5m signing from Wolves, who has already slotted seamlessly into Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup.
The Brazilian made his Premier League debut for the Red Devils on Sunday against Arsenal, playing the full 90 minutes and impressing with his intensity and link-up play alongside fellow new arrival Bryan Mbeumo.
Now, Wayne Rooney has revealed what he has been told about Cunha’s early impact, saying those inside Old Trafford are “really pleased” with how he has settled in.
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Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show via BBC Sport, the United legend explained: “They had to change the attack.
“The attacking players looked like they had lost a lot of confidence and some looked like they didn’t want to be there.
“Fair play to Ruben Amorim because he has dealt with that and he is trying to move all those players on.
“The attacking players they have brought in will make a big difference.
“Cunha is exactly what Manchester United need.
“They need someone with a bit of character.”
Rooney also stressed that Cunha’s personality has been as important as his footballing ability, despite there being talks from the media around his temperament.
“I still speak to people there and everyone has been really pleased with how he is settling in.
“He has a voice in there, which is what they need,” he added.
Though Cunha did not manage a goal or assist against Arsenal, his sharp movement, willingness to press, and clever link-up with Mbeumo earned praise from the media and fans.
For Rooney, the Brazil international is not just a signing of quality but of mentality – the kind of figure who can raise standards across the dressing room.
“Cunha is a really good signing from that point of view,” Rooney concluded.
“When you have players who have that bit of edge, the other players who haven’t got that follow it and it maybe brings more out of them as well.”
United resume their Premier League campaign this Sunday away at Fulham, hoping Cunha can inspire a response after their narrow defeat to Arsenal.
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