Cunha secured, Mbeumo and Guerra next?

United’s plan for the summer

The Red Devils are entering the 2025/26 season with the clear intention of redefining their attack and midfield structure. With Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha already in the bag, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo along with Valencia’s Javi Guerra firmly in their sights, the Red Devils aren't just spending, but targeting a team dynamic with stylistic balance. New manager Ruben Amorim’s vision seems to centre around technical aggression and speed, and these three profiles offer a glimpse into what United may look like next season.

Matheus Cunha: The Amorim archetype

The £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves gives United a forward who fits Amorim’s need for a mobile, yet technically gifted striker. Not a traditional poacher, Cunha thrives in link-up play, carrying the ball in transition, and pressing from the front. Cunha scored 15 goals and made 6 assists in 33 league games last season — impressive numbers given the lack of creative support at Molineux. His 61 take-ons and 57 chances created highlight his ability to break defensive lines on his own. But he isn’t just about attack. Cunha also made 38 tackles and won 183 duels, more than underlining his ability to press and recover high. With a five-year deal secured, Cunha gives United a hard-running option in attack out wide who complements a pressing system.

Bryan Mbeumo: A potential steal

Manchester United’s growing interest in Bryan Mbeumo marks a shift toward a more unpredictable right-wing dynamic. With 20 goals from the right-hand channel last season, Mbeumo has stepped out of Ivan Toney’s shadow and emerged as Brentford’s go-to match-winner. Statistically, he compares favourably with the Premier League's very best. His shot accuracy of 64.06% and conversion rate of 31.25% eclipse both Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka. He also netted two goals from outside the box — something United sorely lack in wide areas. His assist and chance creation numbers (7 assists, 1.9 chances created per 90) however, trail Saka and Salah. He offers directness, composed finishing, and late runs that cause chaos — the kind of chaos Amorim seems to want.

Javi Guerra: An Elite ball carrier

While Mbeumo adds verticality up front, United’s interest in Valencia’s Javi Guerra signals a move for similar traits deeper in midfield. The 22-year-old is a 'disruptor'. A midfielder who drives with the ball rather than dictating play from the base. Guerra’s passing accuracy (77.9%) places him in the bottom 19% among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, but that isn't his forte. He averages 1.74 progressive carries and 1.01 successful take-ons per 90 minutes — ranking in the top 12% and 17% respectively. He’s built for breaking lines and dragging defenders out of shape rather than just recycle possession. Amorim seems to value vertical progress over safe passes, and Guerra’s profile suits that philosophy. While the deal is still under negotiation, he appears to be the kind of midfielder who adds edge to United’s engine room.

Amorim’s blueprint takes shape

With Cunha’s mobility, Mbeumo’s goal threat, and Guerra’s direct carrying, Manchester United’s summer targets show intent: to increase pace, aggression, and unpredictability. Amorim isn’t building a team to dominate the ball slowly — he’s creating one to punch through it.