Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Football, Premier League, Transfer News
A report has suggested that Matheus Cunha could play an unfamiliar role in Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side – and it’s got fans talking.
Cunha, 26, was announced as a Manchester United player on the first day of the summer transfer window with the club releasing a statement on Sunday (June 1).
United triggered Cunha’s £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract, and he has penned a five-year deal with an option for a further year.
The fee will reportedly be paid over two seasons, and the player's signing is subject to a visa and registration, according to United.
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The former Atletico Madrid man played mostly as an attacking midfielder at Wolves but was also utilised across the front line, even as a centre-forward at times.
And despite producing 17 goals and six assists in 36 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, he could soon be given an unfamiliar role by new boss Amorim, 40.
The Times reports that “Sources have said that Amorim sees the Brazilian slotting in as either one of the two No10s in his system or slightly further back in a more defensive role. Cunha showed his versatility while at Wolves, where he played across all positions in the front line, including centre forward”.
Playing as a No. 10 comes naturally to Cunha, but the defensive side of the game is certainly not one of his current strengths.
Alarmingly for United fans, Cunha topped the charts for most time spent walking last season at 77.1%.
Fans on social media were quick to give their thoughts on Cunha’s potential defensive role.
One said: "I’m assuming this “defensive role” is LWB, due to his ability to progress the ball by carrying it. A lot of the comments are overreacting."
Another added: "As a number 10 he’s immense - we spent 18 months trying to get him to track back and cover more ground. Great at dropping deep and receiving the ball but a “defensive role” is not going to be a strength of his and he would struggle … I may be proved wrong."
A third explained: "Yes because this makes loads of sense a guy who has played as an attacker, scored over 15+ goals in multiple seasons, and Man Utd need goals. So what Man Utd and Amorim clearly want to do, is make him a defensive-minded deep playmaker."
