Manchester United could have a very different look next season with Matheus Cunha joining and Bryan Mbeumo potentially following
Manchester United have sealed one high profile transfer and are closing in on another.
The arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves is already agreed and the Reds are working on a deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo to move to Old Trafford.
Those two signings would be a statement of intent so early in the summer and provide Ruben Amorim with a pair of proven Premier League players who can bring creativity, goals and versatility.
Cunha and Mbeumo scored 35 top flight goals between them last season and seem natural fits for the two number 10 positions in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 shape. The United chief made it clear last season that he wouldn’t be switching systems and this summer offers the Reds a chance to recruit to suit.
The arrival of Cunha and Mbeumo will have a knock on effect elsewhere in the squad.
Bruno Fernandes could retreat to a central midfielder rather than operating in an advanced role. The Portugal international increasingly played in the deeper midfield role as the season progressed and has the capabilities to be a success in a dictating role.
Amad would also seemingly lose his spot as a number 10 despite an impressive campaign last term. But the Ivory Coast international is capable of playing as a right wing back in Amorim’s system while slotting in further forward should the need arise.
The 22-year-old has proven he can play the role under Amorim, and his dribbling is an asset there. He can come inside to link play and offer an overload centrally or go down the outside on his right foot. That is the type of attacking threat Amorim wants from players in those positions.
Diogo Dalot would be the natural competition for Amad and if the latter does amend his position then it frees Noussair Mazraoui up to be a centre back option. The 27-year-old played a number of positions during his debut campaign at Old Trafford but he does not offer the attacking input needed for a wing back role and slotting in as one of the back three would make the most sense.
United are unlikely to cap their business at the arrival of Cunha and Mbeumo with a striker also on the shortlist. A move for Liam Delap failed after the 22-year-old opted to choose Chelsea but the Reds are likely to explore alternatives in the summer, albeit they will likely need to sell before they strengthen further.
The addition of a centre forward would be bad news for Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled in his second campaign at United. The Dane, who is attracting interest from Inter Milan, had shown promise and potential in his debut season but regressed amid the pressure of leading the line.
Still only 22, Hojlund could benefit from a more reduced role next term while offering industry and energy off the bench. He could become something of an impact player, called upon when attacking resources are required to offer another forward option. It’s not what Hojlund will want, but it might be just what he needs.
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2025-06-07 03:30:00
