Joe Cole concerned by 'maverick' Matheus Cunha following arrival at Manchester United - 'It's a gamble'
Published 09/08/2025 at 18:07 GMT+1
Joe Cole has expressed concern over Matheus Cunha's "attitude" following his arrival at Manchester United, describing the Brazilian as a "maverick". The former England and Chelsea midfielder believes this type of character is "the last thing United need". Cunha earned a move to Old Trafford after scoring 15 goals in the league for Wolves last season, but he also had disciplinary issues.
'The last thing Man Utd need is a maverick' - Cole warns of Cunha 'gamble'
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Manchester United’s purchase of Matheus Cunha is a "gamble", according to Joe Cole, with the former Chelsea midfielder concerned by the Brazilian’s "maverick" character.
Cunha completed a £62.5 million move to Old Trafford in June to become Ruben Amorim’s first signing of the summer after an impressive campaign for Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring 15 Premier League goals.
But the 26-year-old also had disciplinary issues last season, being retrospectively banned by the Football Association after clashing with Ipswich Town security in December, before being charged by the FA with violent conduct following his straight red card against Bournemouth in March.
Cunha was also criticised by Wolves manager Vitor Pereira in January over his body language and for appearing not to acknowledge the away support during their defeat at Chelsea.
Discussing Cunha’s move on TNT Sports’ Breakdown show, Cole said: "The thing that worries me about Cunha is - I think he's a brilliant player, a fantastic player, wonderful goals, does everything.
"But whenever you hear little things about his attitude, I'm not saying he's a bad lad because I wouldn't want to say that, but he's a bit of a maverick."
Cole added: "The last thing Man United [and] that dressing room needs is another maverick. There's mavericks everywhere. And they're putting stuff on social media and all that. You hear too much coming out of that dressing room.
"So it's a gamble, Cunha."
Owen Hargreaves has questioned United’s summer acquisitions from a tactical perspective.
The Red Devils have also signed Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, marking a significant rebuild in attacking areas.
During what was a miserable campaign at Old Trafford, as United endured their worst Premier League finish, attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes and wide player Amad Diallo were two bright sparks.
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'When they needed their talisman to deliver....' - Fernandes completes hat-trick
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Hargreaves believes much of United’s summer business may be strengthening in those areas, which were the least concerning for Amorim last season.
Discussing the arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo, Hargreaves said: "Good players, very good players. I mean experienced players. Proven goalscorers at this level as well.
"The only thing I would say is, based on the way Ruben plays, he signed two players that play his current two best players' positions. You know, Fernandes is a 10 and probably Amad, you could argue, is thereabouts for a wing-back.
"So, Mbeumo will probably play there, and Cunha will play there. And that formation, they're very rigid in that, but fabulous signings."
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Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha holding Summer Series trophy
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Peter Crouch echoed those concerns, suggesting new full-backs and a goalkeeper should have been the priority.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker said: "Obviously, the goalkeeping situation last year was farcical at times.
"We've always said about Amorim and the way he wants to play, getting full-backs, wing-backs are so important.
"Yet they've signed players that are very good players, but do they address the issues that Man United [had]? Let's be honest, they had a lot of issues last season, finishing towards the bottom end of the league.
"So those need to be addressed. Have they addressed them? I'm not so sure."
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United begin their Premier League campaign next Sunday as they host Arsenal, while they are set to face Manchester City and Chelsea in their first five fixtures.
"They've got a tough start," said Hargreaves. "So you'll know straight away what this group's going to be."
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