Wayne Rooney: Man Utd’s Acquisition of Cunha Adds Firepower and Leadership
- Think Football Ideas
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
Rooney: Cunha’s Presence Could Lift Manchester United Beyond the Pitch
Wayne Rooney has highlighted a less-discussed aspect of Manchester United’s summer recruitment, which is the influence of a player’s character in shaping team dynamics.
Speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Red Devils striker singled out Matheus Cunha as someone whose leadership could extend beyond his on-field contributions.
Reflecting on the squad before the transfer window, Rooney pointed to a worrying lack of confidence among the forwards. “The attacking players looked like they had lost a lot of confidence, and some looked like they didn’t want to be there,” he said.
Rooney praised head coach Ruben Amorim for addressing this issue head-on, moving out disengaged players and bringing in those capable of reinvigorating the squad.
Cunha, Rooney insists, is more than a goal threat. “Cunha is exactly what Manchester United need. They need someone with a bit of character. I still speak to people there and everyone has been really pleased with how he is settling in. He has a voice in there, which is what they need.”
The Man Utd's leading goalscorer of all-time believes that this presence can lift the performance of those around him. “When you have players who have that bit of edge, the other players who haven’t got that follow it, and it maybe brings more out of them as well.”
Beyond his leadership, Rooney recognises Cunha’s technical abilities, describing him as a complete package: “Cunha is a really good signing from that point of view and then there is his ability on top of that as well.”
For Rooney, the signing represents more than just an attacking upgrade, it signals a shift in mindset and culture at Old Trafford, a reminder that strong personalities can shape team performance in as many ways off the ball as on it.
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