Manchester United’s attacking department has often seen countless world-class players showcase their talents and hand the supporters moments to cherish at Old Trafford.
However, INEOS made it clear last summer that they felt as though such an area of the squad was in desperate need of reinforcements – subsequently spending £200m on new additions.
Such signings allowed the Red Devils to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League, and return to Europe’s biggest competition – the Champions League.
One of last summer’s additions made an immediate impact at Old Trafford last term, with his stats showcasing how much of a key player he was for Michael Carrick.
How Cunha compared to other Premier League forwards in 2025/26
Attacker Matheus Cunha joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £62.5m – with many fans across the division raising eyebrows at the magnitude of the fee.
The Brazilian star enjoyed a phenomenal first campaign at Old Trafford last term, as he netted 10 times and laid on two assists – with only Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko scoring more.
His most impressive effort undoubtedly came at the Emirates, with his 25-yard strike securing Carrick’s men a superb victory over the eventual Premier League winners.
Cunha’s underlying stats also showcase his immediate impact in Manchester, as the 27-year-old ranked highly when comparing his stats to other players in his position.
|
Man Utd top PL scorers in 2025/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Goals |
|
1) Bryan Mbeumo |
11 |
|
2) Benjamin Sesko |
11 |
|
3) Matheus Cunha |
10 |
|
4) Bruno Fernandes |
9 |
|
5) Casemiro |
9 |
|
6) Patrick Dorgu |
4 |
The attacker managed to complete an impressive tally of 1.6 successful dribbles and registered 1.3 shots on target per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 15% of players in the Premier League last term.
He also managed to register an impressive tally of 1.2 chances created per 90 in England’s top-flight, which only saw Bruno Fernandes register more at Old Trafford.
He’s undoubtedly cemented his place on the left-hand side of Carrick’s attack, but that’s not stopped the hierarchy from targeting added attacking reinforcements this window.
How Man Utd could sign Cunha 2.0 this summer.
As previously mentioned, INEOS are on the hunt for added attacking reinforcements this summer, which has seen a potential deal emerge for AC Milan star Rafael Leão in recent days.
It’s been reported that his agent has offered the player to multiple sides in the Premier League, with Carrick’s men just one of the clubs contacted over a possible deal.
However, the 27-year-old isn’t the only forward option currently in their sights, with Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias another name under consideration.
It’s been reported by The Sun that some Red Devils staff have been sent to watch the Brazilian to gain more information over a possible deal for the 20-year-old attacker.
They also claim the player himself would be ‘open’ to moving to one of Europe’s big five leagues this summer, like the Premier League, ensuring that ‘personal terms will not pose a major stumbling block’. As for a transfer fee, a £30m offer would be needed to secure a deal.
Elias may be an unknown quantity to many United supporters, but he’s starting to gain a reputation for being an extremely promising and talented young prospect.
He often featured in the UEFA Conference League throughout last campaign, subsequently netting three of his eleven goals from last term in such a competition.
However, it’s his underlying stats which best reflected his talent and showcase why he could emulate his compatriot upon any move to Old Trafford this window.
Elias achieved the same shot-on-target accuracy rate as Cunha last campaign, subsequently highlighting his impressive ability to deliver the goods within attacking areas.
He scored with 25% of his shots on target throughout 2025/26, which could make him an added clinical option for Carrick’s side in their hunt for success.
The Brazilian’s talent in forward areas was further reflected by his tally of 80% passes completed, which led to him creating 1.4 chances per 90.
Such numbers showcase his ability to also provide the goods for others in the attacking third, alongside his goalscoring ability – which mirrors that of Cunha at Old Trafford.
Delivering the goods in the Premier League compared to the Ukrainian top-flight is undoubtedly a hugely different task, but it’s one which Elias is capable of doing in the future.
£30m for his signature could prove to be an excellent piece of business for the Red Devils, but patience will be needed to be directed the youngster’s way upon any move.
Cunha would undoubtedly help his compatriot to settle into any move to Manchester this summer, with the pair able to thrive together in the hunt for success.
