Omar Berrada backs new signing to make a defining impact at Old Trafford
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has backed new signing Matheus Cunha to be a potentially “Cantona-esque” forward at the club.
The Brazil international has completed a £62.5 million transfer from Wolves, becoming United’s first major acquisition of the 2025 summer window after the club triggered his release clause earlier this month.
Cunha, who joined Wolves permanently from Atletico Madrid in 2023 following a successful loan spell, impressed at Molineux with 17 goals and 8 assists across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign. His ability to play as a No 10 in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system made him a standout option for United’s recruitment team as they look to reshape a forward line that struggled with consistency last season.
“He’s a player that I think fans are going to love,” Berrada said in an interview with United We Stand and The Athletic. “We can talk about his technical abilities and he can play in three different positions. He’s a playmaking attacking midfielder; he can score goals, he can make assists. I think he’s going to lift people off their seats. He’s got a bit of a swagger about him that people are going to really like. Dare I say, Cantona-esque.”
The comparison to Eric Cantona, who helped spark a golden era at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1990s, shows the expectations surrounding Cunha’s arrival. His flair and creativity are traits the club believe can have a galvanising effect on the squad.
Cunha joins a reshaped United project led by director of football Jason Wilcox and backed by CEO Berrada, who was hired from Manchester City earlier this year.
Berrada acknowledged that Cunha’s signing was a top priority and hinted that more business is on the horizon.
“He was an important one to get done,” said Berrada. “We’re going to do our best to do more signings quickly. Sometimes when you’re not quick, it’s because you’re negotiating and you’re trying to make sure you get the right value for money. So being efficient or quick isn’t necessarily the best thing for the club.”
