Better than Cunha: Man Utd in contact to sign another "world-class" forward
da realbet： This summer is huge for Manchester United if they are to reach the next level under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, with the transfer market a massive help in his quest.
da luck： Numerous additions in various key areas of the pitch are desperately needed, but departures also need to be high on the agenda, given the lowly Premier League standing in 2024/25.
However, it remains unclear how much money will be available to the manager, given the cost-cutting operation currently in place since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Such an operation could see departures made before any new players walk through the door at Old Trafford, with the wage bill in huge need of reduction.
Despite the financial situation currently facing Amorim, a couple of players have already emerged as key targets ahead of the summer, undoubtedly improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal.
The latest on United’s pursuit to land Matheus Cunha
The one name on the lips of all supporters is that of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, given the recent links for the Brazilian to join United this summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on a potential move for the 25-year-old in the last 24 hours, claiming that the forward is extremely keen on a move to join the Red Devils.
The club are also trying to negotiate a payment plan to trigger his £62.5m release clause in stages rather than all at once to aid their current financial situation.
However, another attacking star has emerged on their radar in recent days, in the form of Crystal Palace talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta, who’s scored 14 league goals this campaign.
According to CaughtOffside, United have made contact to land the 27-year-old this window, with the Frenchman one of the club’s top targets, as per the report.
Why a PL star would be better than Cunha for United
The Red Devils’ form in front of goal this season has been nothing short of disastrous, unable to produce the high levels of performance needed to succeed.
The side have only notched 38 Premier League goals to date, with only five teams scoring fewer, three of which are currently sitting within the division’s relegation zone.
Such a record has undoubtedly contributed to their ambitions of landing Cunha and Mateta this summer, with Amorim needing to land new options to change such fortunes ahead of 2025/26.
Whilst both players could command a decent fee, it’s unclear whether the club would be able to land both of the aforementioned talents, potentially needing to prioritise one player in the next few weeks.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the Palace star has managed to outperform Cunha in various areas, highlighting why he’d be a better addition than the Brazilian.
Mateta, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered the same number of goals, but has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature within the final third.
When the ball falls his way in attacking areas, the 27-year-old Palace star has been more accurate with his efforts, managing to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate, subsequently offering the side that added threat, which is desperately needed.
How Mateta compares to Cunha in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Mateta
Cunha
Games played
33
28
Goals scored
14
14
Shot-on-target accuracy
42%
41%
Goals per shot on target
0.5
0.3
Aerials won
2.2
0.4
Aerial success rate
38%
27%
Dribbles completed
44%
44%
Stats via FBref
He’s also won more aerials, with a higher aerial success rate, offering United that all-round centre-forward option they’ve been craving since Amorim’s arrival back in November.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Mateta would set the club back this summer, it’s one that needs to be made if the side are to make the jump back up to the top of the division next season.
There’s no denying that Cunha would be a superb addition to the side, but the Red Devils desperately need a new talisman, with the Frenchman providing just that should he move to Old Trafford.
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