Matheus Cunha (26) revealed the reason he finally chose to wear the Manchester United jersey.
On the 12th (Korea time), Manchester United announced through the club's website, "Cunha has signed with United. We are pleased to confirm that the acquisition of Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers has been completed. The 26-year-old Brazilian national team forward has signed a contract until June 2030, with an option for an additional year."
Cunha, who is now wearing the jersey of the club he dreamed of being a part of, said, "It's hard to put into words how I feel about becoming a Manchester United player. Since I was young, I watched Premier League matches on TV at my grandmother's house in Brazil. Since then, Manchester United has been my favorite English team, and I dreamed of wearing the red jersey. I want to thank everyone who helped make that dream come true and my family."
Cunha added, "I am looking forward to the start of preseason. I want to get to know my teammates and prepare for the upcoming season. Now, I will work hard to become a valuable member of the team and focus all my efforts on helping the club return to the top."
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director, also welcomed Cunha. He said, "The acquisition of Cunha was one of our major priorities this summer. We are pleased to have completed this early. Cunha was one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolverhampton, and he proved his abilities in Spain and Germany before that. He has all the qualities needed to help us build a strong, dynamic, and entertaining team that can compete for the greatest honors."
Cunha shared his overwhelming emotions in an additional interview with Manchester United. According to 'Sky Sports', five clubs in the Premier League pursued Cunha this summer. It is reported that Arsenal, Aston Villa, and even clubs from Saudi Arabia were interested in triggering his buyout clause.
Nonetheless, Cunha chose Manchester United. Prominent British media outlets such as 'BBC' and 'Sky Sports' reported that Cunha loves Manchester United and there were no major variables in the transfer. In fact, Cunha stated that he was fine with Manchester United's failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and only shouted for a move to Manchester United.
In fact, Cunha, who chose Manchester United, said, "I think my decision might not be understood from the outside. But if I've always dreamed of playing here, it makes it easier to make this decision. To me, no team is like Manchester United. Of course, I know it has been a tough season for everyone. I believe my decision shows what this club means to me and what I believe this club can become."
Cunha also stated, "It's hard to find a way to describe this club. When I was young, there were no channels to watch the Premier League at my home. My cousin, who was a Manchester United fan, showed me how to support Manchester United. Since I could only watch the Premier League at my grandmother's house, I decided to go there every weekend."
Cunha has dreamed of joining Manchester United since he kicked a ball in the streets of Brazil. He said, "When I used to kick a ball in the streets and beaches, I often called it 'Old Trafford.' Imagine that! Thinking about the past, it really moves me to be here now."
Finally, Cunha, who has worn the Manchester United jersey, parted ways with Wolverhampton, where he scored 33 goals in 92 matches over two and a half years, to join his 'dream team'. Manchester United triggered his buyout clause of £62.5 million (about 116 billion won) and secured a contract that includes a basic 5-year term with an option for an additional year.
Cunha, originally from Brazil, is a versatile asset capable of playing not only as a central striker but also as a winger. He is excellent with the ball and has powerful shooting and passing abilities. This season, he set a new career high with 17 goals and 6 assists in 36 matches, shining as Wolverhampton's ace.
Cunha has been a highly regarded prospect in Europe for a long time. Although he didn't excel at Leipzig, Hertha Berlin, or Atletico Madrid, he found his talent after arriving in the Premier League. He could have transferred to Arsenal last winter during the transfer market, but he rejected interest to help save Wolverhampton from relegation. By maintaining his commitment, he scored 12 goals and provided 7 assists in the Premier League, leading Wolverhampton to safety.
Now, Cunha is expected to play as Manchester United's new number 10 starting next season. The original number 10, Marcus Rashford, a 'homegrown youth', has faced a deep slump in recent years and has been embroiled in attitude controversies, enjoying a nightlife of drinking and partying. Although he showed good performance at Aston Villa in the latter half of this season, manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly considering letting him go.
Cunha is expected to take on the attacking midfielder role in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, replacing Rashford. The BBC noted, "Cunha is seen as the ideal player to play in one of the two attacking midfielder positions in Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. He is currently playing in a similar system under coach Vitor Pereira at Wolverhampton."
Manchester United hopes Cunha, the first striker acquisition under manager Amorim, will help solve their serious scoring problems. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to play the role of a finisher this season, but he has only scored 4 goals in the league, while Joshua Zirkzee has only scored 3 goals.
As a result, Manchester United managed to score only 44 goals in 38 matches, finishing 16th in the Premier League, and their final standing was 15th. Manchester United must achieve different results next season with Cunha. Reports indicate that Manchester United is close to acquiring not only Cunha but also Mbeumo, suggesting a completely new attacking lineup.
[Photo] Manchester United social media.
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