Manchester United are in direct contact with the agents of Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The striker could sort out United’s issues up front, which have been costly for them of late. They have netted just once this season so far, and this was an own-goal, demonstrating their need for a new focal point for their attack. Cristiano Ronaldo’s inability to press consistently at the age of 37 is a problem for Erik ten Hag, and could be solved by the addition of Cunha.
Erik ten Hag Looking To Bolster Squad With La Liga Forward Matheus Cunha
Manchester United had direct talks with Matheus Cunha’s agents as with many others in the last few days. No agreement reached with Atletico Madrid as things stand. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Atletico want more than €50m to sell Cunha this summer. pic.twitter.com/CxPPyPH3Ma
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2022
Atletico Madrid Have Set Their Asking Price for Matheus Cunha
The Spanish giants are asking for upwards of £42 million for their player, who has been described as a “versatile pressing machine”; however, the star is reportedly “very comfortable” in Madrid.
Cunha made 29 appearances in the 2021/22 La Liga campaign, scoring six and assisting four goals across the season. It was his first full season at the club after joining from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin in 2021.
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The 23-year-old has represented his senior national side Brazil numerous times, partaking in the squad’s World Cup qualifiers and winning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The Brazilian is confident with both feet and able to thrive in one-on-one situations. He shows attributes on the pitch of being a prolific goalscorer but is still developing his game having only recently taken the step to playing in the Champions League and one of the most competitive domestic divisions in football.
Manchester United Scrambling for Cover in Forward Role
United are actively seeking a striker with the position largely lacking depth at Old Trafford. Anthony Martial has struggled to prove his ability in front of goal in a United shirt and has missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo has looked a shadow of his former self, especially in comparison to the twinkle-toed Portuguese youngster that burst onto the scene in the early 2000s. As well as this, he has asked the club to accept suitable bids for him this summer as he aims to play in the Champions League again this year.
United’s Horrendous Start to the Season
Erik ten Hag’s side have had a nightmare beginning to their season; losing 2-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and then being thrashed 4-0 by Brentford where they conceded all four goals in 35 minutes and saw out their seventh consecutive away loss.
They sit rock bottom of the Premier League table and at the moment look incapable of stringing an attack together, which is even more concerning as they prepare to face rivals Liverpool on August 22. Jurgen Klopp’s side completed a league double over United last season, with an aggregate score of 9-0.
Read more: Erik ten Hag’s Reaction as ‘Shocking’ Manchester United ‘Played Like Kids’ in Catastrophic Defeat
Ten Hag is adamant about bolstering his squad for the long season ahead, with a number of positions in need of strengthening. A striker is a safe move to provide depth with the hectic schedule of domestic and European football, however, Cunha has the potential to become the main man if Ronaldo is able to secure his move away from Manchester.
