Manchester United's New Signing, Matheus Cunha, Faces Early Struggles and Pressure
Matheus Cunha's dream move to Manchester United is turning into a nightmare. The Brazilian forward, who joined United for a hefty fee of £62.5 million, is facing a challenging start to his career at Old Trafford.
Cunha's impressive 2024/2025 season with Wolves, where he scored 15 goals and provided six assists, caught the attention of United. But since his arrival, he has failed to replicate that form, leaving fans and pundits concerned. In seven games, he has neither scored nor assisted, and was recently benched by manager Ruben Amorim, who opted for Mason Mount instead.
And here's where it gets controversial. Cunha, while acknowledging the pressure, seems to be falling into a trap that has ensnared many United stars before him. He believes that his move to United and playing for Brazil is a 'spectacular personal moment,' suggesting a sense of arrival rather than a starting point. This mindset has been a criticism of numerous United players post-Sir Alex Ferguson, who felt they had 'made it' by joining the club.
"I have to get results as soon as possible because I'm a big signing," Cunha said, adding to the pressure. "I constantly want to improve, but I also need to enjoy this moment." This statement highlights a dilemma many players face: balancing the drive for success with the need to savor achievements.
But Cunha isn't alone in his struggles. United has a history of big-money signings who failed to live up to expectations, leaving fans wondering if the club's allure is more about past glory than present performance. As the team fights for positive results, Cunha's admission that he feels like he's been at United for a long time due to their current situation raises questions about the impact of the club's struggles on new signings.
The pressure is on for Cunha to turn things around and prove that he can be the difference-maker United hoped for. Will he rise to the occasion or succumb to the weight of expectations? The coming months will be crucial in determining his fate at the club and perhaps, the perception of United's ability to nurture big-name signings.
