Manchester United’s Ambitious Rebuild Gains Momentum with Cunha and Mbeumo Acquisitions
Manchester United are signaling a decisive shift in strategy with the impending arrival of forward Bryan Mbeumo, following the recent signing of Matheus Cunha, as the club aims to swiftly address its attacking deficiencies and reshape its squad under new leadership. The moves represent a clear departure from past transfer policies and inject a much-needed dose of Premier League quality into a team desperate for a return to form.
A New Direction in Player Recruitment
For years, Manchester United have been criticized for haphazard transfer dealings, often prioritizing players with ties to former managers or those from leagues perceived to be in decline. This summer, however, the club appears to be prioritizing proven talent already established in the Premier League. “They are making decisions they should be making,” a source familiar with the club’s recent activity stated. The signings of Cunha and Mbeumo, both of whom have previously scored against United, underscore this change.
This represents a significant departure from recent strategies. Last summer, the club pursued Joshua Zirkzee, a Dutch player with a release clause playing in a league that has been in decline for nearly 20 years. Previously, under Erik ten Hag, the club frequently reunited the manager with players from his time at Ajax, often at a significant financial cost. While Ten Hag also expressed interest in established English stars like Declan Rice and Harry Kane, his overall recruitment strategy was often undermined by a reliance on Dutch-schooled signings.
Mbeumo’s Imminent Arrival and the Brailsford Transition
Brentford verbally accepted United’s offer for Mbeumo on Thursday, with the news surfacing on Friday. The only logistical hurdle was the team’s flight to Chicago on Tuesday, and Mbeumo is expected to join the squad for their US tour. The Cameroonian international was reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur, with Thomas Frank, his manager at Brentford, actively lobbying for his transfer. However, the influence of Andre Onana, who advised Mbeumo to choose United, proved decisive. Sources confirm Onana is “so happy” to be welcoming his fellow Cameroonian to Old Trafford, a sentiment echoed throughout the United dressing room.
The changes extend beyond the playing squad. Sir Dave Brailsford, a key figure in the club’s restructuring, is reportedly being phased out, signaling a further streamlining of the decision-making process.
Cunha: Adding Edge and Premier League Provenance
Matheus Cunha, who signed last month, brings a different dynamic to the United attack. Described by a source at Wolves as someone who would “turn on the charm” when needed, Cunha offers a spikier edge to complement the existing squad. United’s long-serving talisman, Bruno Fernandes, is known as one of the most truculent players in the Premier League, and Cunha’s character suggests he won’t shy away from a challenge.
Cunha’s arrival was foreshadowed by a standout performance against United on Boxing Day, and he followed that up with 15 Premier League goals last season during his first full campaign with Wolverhampton.
Addressing the Striker Position and Future Prospects
Despite the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo – representing over £130 million in attacking talent – the No. 9 position remains a critical concern. The future of current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee is uncertain, particularly with the potential arrival of Viktor Gyokeres. If a new striker isn’t secured, manager Amorim may be forced to omit both Hojlund and Zirkzee from the starting XI, a decision driven by principle rather than tactical preference.
United’s previous attempts to integrate Hojlund and Zirkzee have been largely unsuccessful. Amorim benched both players as far back as February, resulting in a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace. The club’s 16th game without a goal occurred in Bilbao, further highlighting the need for a reliable goalscorer.
Looking ahead, United fans will be optimistic as they emerge from the Stretford End tunnel against Arsenal in four weeks. A potential lineup featuring Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, and Leny Yoro offers a glimpse of a revitalized Manchester United.
