Lee Sharpe Hails New Signing Cunha

Pre-season is nearly upon us as clubs gear up for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. Transfer business is already in full swing, including at Manchester United, who quickly wrapped up the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a reported £62.5 million.

We caught up with former Manchester United attacker Lee Sharpe, a man who knows a thing or two about arriving at Old Trafford to get his thoughts on the new signing, and his take on the potential departure of Alejandro Garnacho.

Cunha is a Perfect Fit for Amorim

United fans will be hoping Matheus Cunha is the first building block in a new-look side under manager Rúben Amorim. Expectations are high for Cunha, who stood out in a struggling Wolves side last season, scoring 17 goals and registering six assists.

Considering United’s own issues in front of goal last season, and Cunha’s ability to impact the final third, this could be a match made in heaven. A highly technical forward capable of moments of magic, Cunha brings flair and creativity to the attack and Sharpe is excited about what he could bring to Old Trafford.

“I think it’s pretty much what everyone’s seen over the last couple of seasons. He’s stood out as a shining light by creating chances and scoring goals,” Sharpe said.

“He’s been aggressive, probably a bit over-aggressive and lost his cool at times but that’s alright, as long as he learns from it and isn’t upsetting teammates.”

“His eye for a pass and calmness under pressure is something to admire. He’s good in tight areas, which can be difficult for wide players. He fits the number 10 role, and he’s physical enough to get up and down the pitch and help defensively.”

Garnacho Exit Could Come Back to Bite United

While Cunha arrives to fill one of the attacking roles in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup, academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho looks increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford. Since United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, Garnacho’s future has become uncertain.

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the winger’s situation, and if you check out our bet calculator, you'll see how much you could earn from betting on the Blues to land him as 4/5 favourites. But according to Sharpe, United’s willingness to sell may reflect Garnacho’s inconsistency and need for development, especially in terms of his decision-making.

“Garnacho has a lot of potential, and on his day he can win you a match. But for the ability he’s got, he’s not doing enough right now,” Sharpe said.

“His decision-making and final ball in the last third are questionable. I’m not sure he’s learning that side of the game as quickly as he needs to.”

“He’s improved defensively and works harder, which might be affecting his attacking output. But he’s not scoring or creating enough.”

Sharpe also addressed the ongoing speculation around Garnacho’s attitude and discipline.

“There have been questions about his attitude on more than one occasion. I don’t know him personally, but reports suggest his discipline hasn’t been great, and he thinks he deserves more minutes. I understand why the manager might leave him on the bench.”

Despite Garnacho’s flaws and off-pitch issues, Sharpe believes that if he stays in the Premier League, United may live to regret letting him go.

“It’s all gone a bit public, and it seems personal now with the manager. So it looks like he’s heading for the exit.

“I can see why he wants to stay in the Premier League. It’s the most exciting league with the biggest wages and the biggest stage.”

“He’s definitely someone who could leave United and hurt them in the future.”

We also spoke to Lee Sharpe about Leeds United's impending return to the Premier League