Manchester United is on the cusp of a significant transformation as they close in on the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee that could reach £62.5 million during the summer transfer window of 2025. This move signals the club's intention to revitalize their squad, which has faced criticism for its age and lack of dynamism.
Cunha, who has been dubbed the "new Eric Cantona" for his potential to make a substantial impact both on and off the pitch, is seen as a crucial addition for a team desperately seeking a new icon to lead them back to the summit of English football. The comparison to Cantona is not made lightly; the legendary forward was a transformative figure for United after his arrival in 1992, helping them secure their first Premier League title in 1993 after a 26-year wait.
Former England international Chris Waddle, who has been vocal about the need for a thorough rebuild at Old Trafford, believes that Cunha possesses the qualities necessary to breathe new life into a tired squad. "Cunha is the type of player who can breathe new life into a tired squad. He has a big personality, sometimes a bit of a temper, but that’s what big clubs like United need. Wolves are a good team, but it’s clear Cunha needs a higher platform, and United is where he can reach the top,” Waddle stated.
However, Waddle cautioned that Cunha alone will not be enough to restore United to their former glory. He believes that the club needs to make at least four or five more quality signings and also address the wage bill by moving on players who no longer fit the team's vision. This rebuilding process, according to Waddle, could take several years and will require patience from both the board and the fans.
Cunha, 25, has enjoyed a standout season with Wolves, netting 15 goals in the Premier League and showcasing his technical ability, intelligent movement, and sharp attacking instincts. His performances have not gone unnoticed by United's new manager, Ruben Amorim, who is set to embark on his first transfer window in charge. Amorim has been tasked with overhauling an ageing and lacklustre squad, and securing Cunha could be the first step in that direction.
Waddle has also dismissed the possibility of re-signing Paul Pogba, who is currently a free agent following a doping ban. He expressed concerns that Pogba is no longer the player he once was and that investing in him would be too risky. "Pogba is no longer the player he was, and investing in him is too risky," Waddle remarked.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United is not only looking to bring in new talent but also to reshape the entire structure behind the scenes. Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are expected to support Amorim in his efforts to rebuild the squad, but Waddle emphasized the importance of patience. "Ruben Amorim has a massive job on his hands. They have to keep their hands off the panic button this summer. They need to give him time, and there are players there that he needs to move on,” he advised.
Waddle pointed out that United's biggest challenge may not just be acquiring new players but also offloading those on hefty wages. "They need a big investment. Four or five players need to come in, but the even bigger challenge will be getting rid of some. They’re on massive wages. The clubs that will want them won’t have the financial muscle United do, and it’ll be tough to sell them on to Italy or Spain,” he explained.
Despite the challenges ahead, United's early moves in the transfer market suggest a commitment to securing the right players to help them compete at the highest level once again. The potential signing of Cunha is seen as a positive step, but it remains to be seen how effectively Amorim can implement his vision for the club.
Waddle remains optimistic about Cunha's potential impact at United, suggesting that if the Brazilian can handle the pressure of playing for a club of United's stature, he could replicate the success of Cantona. "He probably thinks he’s at the stage when he should be at a club like United. Wolves are a big club, but Cunha will be looking for another level up. He’s got a huge opportunity here. If he’s one of the players to turn United around and get them challenging again, he could be like Eric Cantona, the man who changed United," Waddle concluded.
As the situation develops, Manchester United fans will be eagerly watching the transfer window, hoping that Cunha's arrival marks the beginning of a brighter chapter for the club. The road ahead may be long, but with the right signings and a clear vision, the Red Devils could soon be back in contention for major honors.
