Man Utd open talks to sign Cunha to develop ‘one of the best in the world’
On the brink of Champions League qualification after defeating Brentford on Monday, life is good at Old Trafford as far as Manchester United fans are concerned.
They have gone from the chaos of Ruben Amorim’s tenure to the joy of Michael Carrick’s temporary spell. They have gone from feared to feared in the Premier League in a matter of months and it could be enough to earn Carrick a permanent gig.
But there is no time for one to relax.
The portal to the top of English football is starting to open again after years of being locked in another reality and Man United must not waste their window.
Where Man Utd can strengthen this summer
In recent years, Man United’s pulling power has come as a surprise. Despite their confusion, they managed to attract top talent to Old Trafford. They beat their direct rivals Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo last summer, despite finishing 15th last season.
Now, 12 months on, they are on the verge of finishing third as they reach third and should be in their best form in years to welcome even better talent. Who are those top talents is the big question.
It looks like the priority will be a midfielder this summer, with INEOS keen to invest again. And like last season, the focus will be on Premier League talent, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson leading the way alongside Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
|
List of Man United midfield players |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The player |
The club |
Measurement |
|
Sandro Tonali |
Newcastle |
£100m |
|
Elliot Anderson |
Nottingham Forest |
£100m |
|
Adam Wharton |
The Crystal Palace |
£80m |
|
Carlos Baleba |
Brighton |
£80m |
|
Aurelien Tchouameni |
Real Madrid |
£70m |
|
Ederson |
Atalanta |
£44m |
|
Angelo Stiller |
Stuttgart |
£43m |
Both will be a significant boost for Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to be headed for the exit door, and a solid replacement for Casemiro, whose exit is still in the offing despite recent form.
Alas, it’s not just a defender that Man United are looking to upgrade this summer. With the Champions League awaiting, INEOS is keen to welcome players who are ready to tour Europe.
According to Football Insider, Man United have started negotiations to sign Rafael Leao this summer.
Former United boss Mick Brown told the newspaper: “Man United want to sign a midfielder and they have been looking around. There are a few names I have heard, a few different players the club have been looking at, and Rafael Leao is a grown man.
“It’s something they want to do as soon as they can, so they’ve been talking to important people, his agent and other representatives, to see what it will take. Man United want to make a deal before someone else comes in to change things.”
Should they get a deal done, he’ll be an instant better than Cunha at the heart of their attack.
Why Leao can replace Cunha at Man Utd
The Red Devils deserve a lot of credit for their focus on embracing the Premier League experience last summer. Now, however, they need to adopt a similar strategy in the Champions League. And that’s where Leao came from.
Described as “one of the best left-back winners in the world” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Leao has proven himself on Europe’s biggest stage for years and could bring that experience to Old Trafford to replace Cunha.
The worst Man United can do right now is to concede what they have. By accepting the competition of their famous players, they have the opportunity to compete in all fields due to the significant depth and find out who their best players really are.
|
League statistics 25/26 |
Cunha |
Leo |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,246 |
1,720 |
|
Goals |
8 |
9 |
|
It helps |
2 |
3 |
|
The success of the takeover |
45.9% |
47.1% |
|
Opportunities are created |
29 |
20 |
It is clear to see why Leao will push for Cunha’s place. In a few minutes this season, the Portuguese player has been involved in more goals and enjoyed better success.
Historically, he has done very well in Italy for several years now, notably scoring 16 times in 2022/23.
In the same team with the quality creator of Bruno Fernandes, those numbers are also likely to increase. The Milan man has been waiting for a big move for a long time, and those at Old Trafford would be wise to finally deliver.
With 13 goals in 30 Champions League appearances, Leao should be ready to take on Europe’s biggest stage at one of England’s biggest clubs when he comes calling this summer.
It’s safe to say that Cunha better watch out; that place on the left side may not be his for long.
Man Utd are starting a £70m move to sign Premier League star Casemiro
Manchester United have already begun the process of signing one Premier League star this summer.
