For all the noise surrounding Erik ten Hag’s uncertain future, one thing is crystal clear at Manchester United: the club is scrambling to fix its blunt attack. After a chaotic 2023/24 season that was part slapstick, part horror show, United’s hierarchy finally seems ready to stop winging it and actually build something functional up front.
With Matheus Cunha now firmly in their sights—and two more forward signings in the works—there’s a real possibility of seeing a guy completely reshaped attack at Old Trafford next season. And honestly? It’s about bloody time.
Let’s break it down. What would this front three look like, how does Cunha fit in, and who’s likely to be shoved out the door to make room?
Matheus Cunha: The Wildcard United Desperately Needs?
Let’s be honest—after watching Antony trip over himself for 30 games and Rashford look like he left his confidence in 2021, is anyone really surprised United are chasing Matheus Cunha? The Brazilian’s been dragging Wolves forward by himself while United’s £85m “solution” on the wing can’t even get past League Two fullbacks.
Cunha isn’t just another “maybe he’ll work” punt. He’s dynamic, unpredictable, and, crucially, available. He wrapped up last season with 12 goals and 7 assists in a Wolves team that often looked like it had no clue what it was doing once it crossed midfield.
What makes Cunha exciting—besides the fact he actually looks like he enjoys playing football—is his ability to drop deep, drive at defenders, and link play. Think of a striker who doesn’t just hang around the penalty spot waiting for service—Cunha’s the guy creating the chances as well as finishing them.
At 25, he’s heading into his prime. According to sources close to the club, United scouts have been drooling over his movement and intelligence in tight spaces—two things that are currently rarer at Old Trafford than a clean sheet.
He might not be the flashiest signing on paper, but Cunha has that gritty, hard-working edge United have lacked for years. And in a front line full of players who either disappear for months or dribble into dead ends, he might just be the steady head Ten Hag—or whoever survives this chaos—needs.
The Dream Front Three: Cunha, a New Right Winger, and... One More Wildcard?
So here’s where it gets spicy. Cunha isn’t arriving to be the only fix—United want more. According to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic’s David Ornstein, a top-tier right winger and another forward are on the cards.
Right Wing Reinforcement: Michael Olise or Pedro Neto?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—United’s right wing has been a black hole for years. Antony was supposed to fix that, but he’s been about as threatening as a damp tea towel. Sancho? Banished like he called Ten Hag’s haircut ugly. Greenwood? Still a giant question mark.
That’s why United are finally (finally!) going for someone who can actually take on a man and whip in a cross.
Michael Olise is the name doing the rounds—and for good reason. The lad’s got sauce. Left-footed, smooth in possession, deadly in the final third, and with that calm swagger United’s lacked on the flanks for ages. When fit, he’s one of the Premier League’s most exciting creators. Problem is... that “when fit” part.
His £60–65 million release clause makes him gettable, but don’t be shocked if Chelsea, Arsenal, or even City try to jump the queue.
Then there’s Pedro Neto. If Olise is the magician, Neto’s the chaos merchant. Pure pace, raw aggression, and direct running. Injuries have been a worry, yes—but when he’s on it, he’s unplayable.
Let’s be real: either of these guys immediately upgrades the right wing. My nan could probably dribble past defenders better than Antony at this point—and she’s got arthritis.
The X-Factor Signing: Joshua Zirkzee?
Here’s where things get fun. United are reportedly sniffing around Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. And if you’ve watched Serie A this season, you’ll know why.
Zirkzee’s got that lanky, unpredictable vibe—like a young Zlatan who hasn’t quite figured out he’s brilliant yet. He’ll do something outrageously good one minute, then casually disappear the next. But that’s the charm.
For €40 million, United could snap him up and add real competition for Højlund. Think about it: Cunha drops deep, Zirkzee floats between lines, Højlund crashes the box—suddenly United don’t look like a one-dimensional mess up front.
And for once, this isn’t just about throwing names at a wall and hoping one sticks. This actually looks like a plan. Wild, right?
What Happens to Højlund, Rashford, Garnacho, and Antony?
If all this goes down, someone’s getting booted. United can’t carry eight forwards when only three can play.
Rasmus Højlund
Look, Højlund wasn’t perfect—but you can’t fault the lad’s effort. That volley against Galatasaray? Pure Van Nistelrooy. Shame the rest of his game still looks like a Championship loanee. Still, give him time and better service, and he could explode.
He’s safe. Expect rotation between him, Cunha, and Zirkzee—if all three arrive.
Marcus Rashford
Let’s talk about Rashford—or the ghost of Rashford. The lad’s gone from Ballon d’Or shouts to looking like he’s checking Instagram during games. PSG are circling, apparently. But unless they’re still high off the Mbappé sale, why would they pay for this version?
Ten Hag keeps starting him out of nostalgia at this point. Like reheating pizza for the fourth time and hoping it still tastes fresh. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
Alejandro Garnacho
One of the only reasons to watch United last season. Garnacho plays like he’s got nothing to lose—and fans love him for it. He’s raw, he’s fearless, and he doesn’t overthink things (yet). Unless the club does something criminally stupid, he’s a nailed-on starter.
Antony & Sancho
Sancho’s basically gone. Might as well change the locks.
As for Antony—he’s running out of lifelines. If a new winger comes in, he’s either warming the bench or getting shipped to Turkey. And let’s be honest, if you offered most fans a straight swap for a cone at this point, they’d consider it.
Tactical Shape: 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or Just “Please No More Chaos”?
Let’s be clear—this squad has options. Especially if Cunha and another versatile attacker arrive.
A 4-3-3 with Garnacho left, Cunha central, and Olise/Neto on the right? That’s got goals written all over it. Pressing from the front, technical ability, and speed in transition—finally, some modern football.
Or go 4-2-3-1: Cunha in the hole behind Højlund, Bruno deeper, and wide players stretching the pitch. It’s flexible, fluid, and finally moves away from United’s “give it to Rashford and pray” tactics.
There’s even talk of a 3-4-3 floating around if the right defenders arrive. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—baby steps.
Final Thoughts: Bold New Era or More False Hope?
Let’s not kid ourselves—United fans have been burned before. Remember when we thought Alexis Sanchez was going to be the final piece? Or when Ronaldo came back and it was “written in the stars”?
But this summer feels different. For once, the links make sense. Cunha? Smart. Olise? Needed. Zirkzee? Exciting. There’s a strategy here, not just scattergun shopping.
Of course, signing three forwards won’t magically fix everything. Midfield still needs work. Defence? Don’t get me started.
But for the first time in years, there’s at least a shred of direction. A glimpse of what this club could be. No more panic buys. No more over-the-hill names chasing a final payday. Just hungry, tactically versatile players who want to prove something.
If United pull this off, fans might finally get the attacking identity they’ve been crying out for since Sir Alex hung it up.
Cunha isn’t the marquee name. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s time to stop chasing stars and start building a team.