A New Era at Old Trafford: Matheus Cunha Joins Manchester United and Receives the Iconic No. 10 Shirt
Manchester United have officially kickstarted their summer rebuild with a marquee signing that has sent ripples through the Premier League. Matheus Cunha, the dynamic Brazilian forward who lit up the Premier League last season with Wolverhampton Wanderers, has joined the Red Devils in a deal reportedly worth £62.5 million. More than just a signing, Cunha represents a shift in direction for a club desperate to reclaim its place at the summit of English and European football.
In a move that has stunned many fans and pundits alike, United have also handed Cunha the legendary No. 10 shirt — a number synonymous with some of the greatest names in football history and deeply embedded in the DNA of Manchester United.
This transfer is not just about goals and assists — it’s about symbolism, legacy, ambition, and a calculated bet on a player who many believe is about to enter his prime.
Matheus Cunha: The Journey to Manchester
Born in João Pessoa, Brazil, Matheus Cunha’s footballing journey has taken him from the beaches of Paraíba to the bright lights of Old Trafford — a trajectory that speaks volumes about his talent and determination. After impressive spells in Europe with RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin, it was his time at Atletico Madrid that put him on the radar of top European clubs. However, inconsistent minutes in Spain led to a move to Wolves in January 2023.
At Wolves, Cunha finally found a platform to express himself fully. Under the guidance of Vítor Pereira, he became the focal point of the team’s attack. Despite Wolves battling relegation for much of the 2023/24 season, Cunha stood out with an impressive 17 goals and 6 assists in the league — one of the best outputs in the Premier League outside of the traditional top six.
His style of play — direct, fearless, technically gifted, and hard-working — caught the eye of Manchester United’s recruitment team, who have been seeking a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line.
United’s Statement of Intent
Signing Cunha for over £60 million is a bold move, particularly given the financial scrutiny United have been under in recent years. It’s a statement of intent from the club and reflects a desire to refresh the squad with hungry, ascending talents rather than marquee names who arrive with heavy expectations but little long-term impact.
But the biggest statement of all may not be the transfer fee — it’s the decision to hand Cunha the No. 10 shirt, one of the most storied and pressure-laden shirts in world football.
The Legacy of the No. 10 Shirt
At Manchester United, the No. 10 jersey is more than a number — it’s a symbol. It has been worn by club legends such as:
Sir Bobby Charlton – A World Cup winner and United icon whose leadership and goals defined a generation.
Dennis Law – The original “King of the Stretford End”, a Ballon d’Or winner and prolific goal scorer.
Mark Hughes – A fierce competitor and one of the most underrated talents of his era.
Teddy Sheringham – A key figure in the historic 1999 treble-winning side.
Ruud van Nistelrooy – A lethal finisher and one of United’s greatest ever strikers.
Wayne Rooney – United’s all-time leading scorer, a modern legend, and a fierce competitor.
To wear that shirt is to inherit expectations of brilliance, leadership, and match-winning performances. Cunha, who wore No. 10 at Wolves, will now carry that weight on his shoulders — but perhaps, for the first time in years, United believe they have found someone who thrives under pressure rather than shrinks beneath it.
What This Means for Marcus Rashford
This transfer also raises serious questions about Marcus Rashford’s future at the club. Rashford has worn the No. 10 since 2018 and has long been seen as a symbol of the post-Ferguson era at United — an academy graduate, England international, and often the face of marketing campaigns.
However, Rashford endured a difficult 2023/24 campaign, scoring only 8 goals in all competitions and appearing disconnected from the high-pressing style that Erik ten Hag demands. His body language, performances, and growing transfer rumors — including links to Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia — have only fueled speculation.
According to reports from reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Cunha will be taking over the No. 10 shirt for the upcoming season. This means that either:
- Rashford is preparing for an exit, likely before the start of pre-season, or
- He remains at the club but is stripped of the No. 10, which would be a significant demotion in symbolic terms.
Neither scenario is ideal for Rashford, and a departure could suit both parties if the club are looking to move in a new direction with younger, hungrier talents.
Fan Reactions and Club Messaging
Fan reaction to Cunha’s signing and shirt number has been largely positive. Many United supporters have praised the club for finally making bold moves in the transfer market that feel strategic rather than reactionary. The decision to give Cunha a number that means so much to the club also reflects backing from the manager and board, suggesting they believe he can become a foundational piece of this new United side.
Meanwhile, fans of Wolverhampton Wanderers have expressed sadness at the departure of a player who had become a favorite, not just for his goals but for his charisma and connection to the supporters. Wolves had even held a special event when he was given the No. 10 shirt at Molineux last year, complete with shirt giveaways, fan meetups, and a free jersey exchange program for supporters who had previously purchased his No. 12 kit.
What Cunha Brings to Manchester United
Tactically, Cunha offers something United have missed in recent years — movement, energy, and spontaneity in attack. He is not a traditional target man, nor is he a touchline-hugging winger. Instead, he operates best in central spaces, thriving off the shoulder of defenders, making clever runs, and linking up play in the final third.
Here’s what fans can expect:
Versatility: He can play as a central striker, second striker, or even as an inside forward on the left or right.
Work rate: Cunha presses from the front and is aggressive in winning the ball back.
Technical ability: Comfortable in tight spaces and able to beat defenders one-on-one.
Finishing instinct: His 17-goal haul last season proved he can be clinical when given chances.
Link-up play: Known for creating opportunities for teammates — as shown by his 6 assists.
His addition could unlock the potential of others around him. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund could all benefit from Cunha’s movement and combination play.
Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture at United
Manchester United have endured a difficult decade since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. From false dawns under multiple managers to an inconsistent recruitment strategy, the club has often struggled to match ambition with coherence. But with new sporting leadership, including the growing influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the club seems to be making more calculated, long-term decisions.
Cunha’s signing could be part of a broader strategy to modernize the squad — focusing on high-pressing, flexible players who are entering their peak years, rather than relying on fading superstars or short-term fixes.
If successful, this summer could mark a turning point in Manchester United’s recent history — and Matheus Cunha could be the face of that change.
Conclusion: The Weight of the Shirt, the Hope of a Club
Matheus Cunha has not just signed for Manchester United — he has inherited a responsibility. The No. 10 shirt at Old Trafford is a symbol of greatness. To wear it means living up to legends and carrying the weight of millions of supporters’ hopes and dreams.
Cunha has shown at Wolves that he has the raw ability, the mentality, and the hunger to rise to such a challenge. Now, under the bright lights of Old Trafford and with the eyes of the footballing world upon him, the question is: can he become the player who finally sparks a revival for one of football’s sleeping giants?
For Manchester United fans, there is finally a reason to believe again.