Evaluating Manchester United's New Signings: Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo

I’ve been a Manchester United fan since I was a boy. The first match I ever watched was that painful 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea. You know the one: Moscow, rain, drama, and John Terry’s unexpected audition for “Dancing on Ice.” Ronaldo scored, then missed his penalty. I thought my heart had exploded… and yet we won. That was my welcome party.

Since then? Kai. Na suffering full ground.

From promising signings to premium flops, I’ve seen it all. We’ve gone from title contenders to seasonal comedians. One week we're "building for the future," the next we're "rebuilding again." Honestly, even Arsenal fans are starting to pity us — and that's when you know things are bad.

Now with Mbeumo and Cunha joining the squad under Ruben Amorim, hope has rise again.

Manchester United's recent transfer activities have raised eyebrows, especially with the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and the impending signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. As the club seeks to rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim, questions arise about whether these signings will succeed or follow the path of previous underperforming forwards like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.

Matheus Cunha: A Versatile Forward with Potential

Matheus Cunha, a 26-year-old Brazilian forward, has had a journeyman career across Europe, featuring for clubs like RB Leipzig, Hertha BSC, Atlético Madrid, and most recently, Wolverhampton Wanderers. At Wolves, Cunha didn’t exactly set the Premier League on fire, but 27 goals in 65 appearances? That’s more than decent. United fans will be hoping it’s just the beginning.

Cunha's versatility allows him to play as a central striker, second striker, or winger, making him a valuable asset in various tactical setups. His ability to exploit spaces between the lines and contribute both goals and assists aligns well with Amorim's tactical preferences.

Bryan Mbeumo: A Dynamic Winger on the Rise

Bryan Mbeumo, a 25-year-old Cameroonian international, has been a standout performer for Brentford. In the 2024-25 season, he registered 20 goals and seven assists, highlighting his offensive prowess . Mbeumo's left-footed play from the right wing, combined with his pace and dribbling skills, makes him a constant threat to defenses.

Mbeumo’s rise from the fringes at Brentford to a £60 million Manchester United signing sounds like a fairy tale. But like my fellow Nigerians will say "fairy tales no dey survive for Theatre of Dreams."

His potential move to Manchester United for over £60 million indicates the club's belief in his abilities to enhance their attacking options. Mbeumo's work rate and adaptability could prove beneficial in Amorim's system, which demands high pressing and fluid attacking movements.

Fitting into Amorim's 3-4-3 Formation

Ruben Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation emphasizes wing-backs providing width, with two attacking midfielders supporting a central striker. This setup requires forwards who can press aggressively, exploit spaces, and contribute to both goals and build-up play .

Cunha's ability to operate between the lines and link play suits the role of an attacking midfielder in this formation. His experience across various leagues and positions adds tactical flexibility. Mbeumo, with his pace and directness, could either serve as one of the attacking midfielders or adapt to a wing-back role, provided he adjusts to the defensive responsibilities.

So, will Amorim finally unlock the kind of attacking fluidity United have lacked since the Ferguson days or are we gearing up for another expensive disappointment?

Lessons from Past Signings

We've seen this before, haven’t we? A flashy winger with pace and flair joins United, and the hype machine goes wild. Sound familiar? Ask Sancho. Or Antony. Or, dare we say it...RONALDO.
Manchester United's recent history is marred by high-profile signings who failed to meet expectations. These cases underscore the importance of not just talent but also adaptability and mental resilience.

The club's management must ensure that new signings are not only technically proficient but also mentally prepared to handle the pressures of playing for a club of Manchester United's stature.

The acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo represent strategic moves to revitalize Manchester United's attack under Ruben Amorim. Both players bring unique skills that, if harnessed correctly, could address the team's offensive deficiencies. However, success will depend on their ability to adapt to Amorim's tactical demands and the Premier League's intensity.

While the potential is evident, only time will tell whether these signings will flourish or become another set of flops in Manchester United's recent transfer history. As a tired Man United fan, I’ve learned to fear hope. All I want now is a miracle and I need it sharp! sharp!!