Matheus Cunha's move to Manchester United in August 2025 was met with both excitement and trepidation. The Brazilian forward, known for his flair and versatility, arrived at Old Trafford with a £62.5 million price tag, a hefty investment for a club desperate to return to its former glory. However, after a few months into the season, concerns are rising that Cunha might become another expensive flop in a long line of underwhelming signings for the Red Devils.

Cunha's career has been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistency. After developing his skills in futsal and youth football in Brazil, he moved to Europe at a young age, playing for Sion, RB Leipzig, Hertha BSC, and Atlético Madrid before finding success at Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was his impressive performances for Wolves, where he scored 27 goals in 65 appearances, that convinced Manchester United to trigger his release clause.

On paper, Cunha seemed like a good fit for United. He is a versatile attacker who can play as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder. He possesses strong dribbling skills, powerful long shots, and the ability to create chances for himself and others. Cunha is also known for his work rate and defensive contribution, demonstrated by his ball recoveries and interceptions.

However, several factors contribute to the risk of Cunha failing to live up to expectations at Manchester United. Firstly, the pressure of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs can be overwhelming. United has a history of big-name signings struggling to adapt to the intense scrutiny and expectations at Old Trafford. Cunha, who admitted that the decision of joining Man United was not understood by people outside, now faces the challenge of performing consistently under immense pressure.

Secondly, Cunha's playing style, while exciting, can also be erratic. He has been described as a "maverick" who prefers freedom over structure. While his creativity and spontaneity can unlock defenses, his lack of tactical discipline might become a problem in a more structured team environment.

So far this season, Cunha's statistics have not been impressive. In 10 Premier League appearances, he has scored only one goal. While his work rate and link-up play have been commendable, his lack of goals is a concern for a team that desperately needs more firepower. Manager Ruben Amorim has publicly challenged Cunha to improve his numbers, stating that he needs to focus less on social media criticism and more on his on-field performance.

Another concern is Cunha's fit within United's tactical system. While he is versatile, his best position is arguably as a central attacking midfielder or inside forward. However, United already has Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfielder role, and it remains to be seen whether Cunha can effectively play in a different position or form a cohesive partnership with Fernandes.

Furthermore, Manchester United's recent history in the transfer market is littered with expensive flops. Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez, and Paul Pogba are just a few examples of high-profile signings who failed to live up to their price tags at Old Trafford. These failures highlight the importance of not just signing talented players, but also ensuring that they fit the team's culture, playing style, and overall strategy.

Ultimately, whether Matheus Cunha becomes a success or another flop at Manchester United remains to be seen. He has the talent and potential to make a significant impact, but he needs to overcome the pressure, adapt to the team's system, and consistently deliver goals and assists. Otherwise, he risks becoming another cautionary tale in the club's recent history of transfer market failures.