One shot on target was all it took for Manchester United to steal the points on Saturday evening, with Matheus Cunha scoring his eighth Premier League goal of the season following another Bruno Fernandes assist.
The Brazilian – who scored 15 goals at Molineux in 2024/25 – may have underachieved following his £62.5m summer move, but he is putting together a complete package.
Indeed, since his first Old Trafford goal at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in October, Cunha has produced many eye-catching moments, be it his long-range curler at the Emirates, or his angled strike at home to Fulham.
There is a surprising, game-changing quality to his game that really appeals, but that being said, United may now be looking for something to improve on the left-back this summer.
Man Utd are considering a £78m bid for the forward’s signing
With Patrick Dorgu still injured, Cunha remains the only option on the left wing, although the 26-year-old has been signed to work in one of the two ten-room positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
That highlights the need for new additions to the side going into next season, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers believed to be one of those under consideration.
Looking further ahead, SportsBoom reported that the Red Devils are among Premier League clubs interested in signing Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, even after the Turkey international penned a new contract in February.
|
Top U21 goalscorers – Big five leagues* |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Goals |
|
Yamal |
15 |
|
Diomande |
12 |
|
Paz |
12 |
|
El Mala |
11 |
|
Yildiz |
10 |
|
Kroupi |
10 |
|
Esp |
8 |
|
*2025/26 – League only |
|
According to the report, INEOS bosses are believed to be knocking on the Serie A side’s door with a bid of around €90m (£78m), with the 20-year-old considered a ‘top target’ this summer.
That offer may not be enough, however, as the Italian giants will want more than €100m (£87m), likely viewing their prized asset as ‘unsellable’ as things stand.
United and INEOS remain in the mix though, with both Arsenal and Chelsea said to be interested in the German-born star.
How did you compare Yildiz and Cunha this season
At just 20 years of age, it is clear how much Yildiz has returned to Turin, as he captained his side on their trip to the Bernabeu in the Champions League earlier this season.
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Sticking with Real Madrid and, in the view of the European football writer, Danny Corcoran, the most sought-after player is proud “[Kylian] Mbappe-like ability”, which the Frenchman shows in his ability to almost win the match single-handedly.
Indeed, in the midst of a difficult few years for Juventus, after their previous dominance of Serie A, Yildiz has been an undeniable shining light, following his arrival from Bayern Munich’s youth team in 2022.
Since rising through Juve’s academy and ‘Next Gen’ set-up, he is now front and center for both club and country, amassing 48 goals and assists in 127 appearances for his club, including five goals in 28 appearances for Turkey.
This season, in particular, he has recorded 11 goals and ten assists in all competitions, including an impressive return of ten goals and six assists in Serie A.
In comparison, back in Manchester, Cunha’s first season at United saw him score eight goals and register just two assists in the Premier League, while Michael Carrick’s strikers still rely on Fernandes to deliver creatively.
Yildiz, thankfully, would do more than shoulder the burden for the Portuguese genius, having amassed 15 ‘big chances’ created in 2025/26, and 2.2 key passes per game.
And, for context, United’s number ten created just three ‘big chances’ and averaged one key pass per game, which never had an impact on that side of the game.
Where Yildiz excels, as that Mbappe comparison pointed out, is his ability to play and hold the ball, averaging 2.2 successful dribbles per game in Serie A this season.
Cunha, although an attractive footballer, averaged 1.3 in that, which also highlights what a star Yildiz is despite his youth.
United, amid their third-placed position in the table, have thrived with the current attacking options available to Carrick, although there is always room for improvement, especially ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
In Yildiz – who can also serve as a tenth or second striker – INEOS may be able to find a complete upgrade for 2026/27, as long as Juventus are tempted to come in, of course.
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