Matheus Cunha has shown why Manchester United spent big to bring him to Old Trafford, but his biggest strength has also highlighted one of Michael Carrick's lingering problems. Cunha offers craft, technical quality and clever movement in the final third, yet he is not the kind of explosive winger capable of leaving defenders trailing over long distances. That lack of outright pace was something United struggled with throughout last season, particularly when trying to stretch compact defences or launch quick counterattacks.
Two New Answers for Carrick
Carrick's side still needs that dimension, but the head coach may now have two answers at his disposal. One is a familiar face in Marcus Rashford, who appears set to return to Old Trafford after an unsuccessful bid to secure a permanent move to Barcelona. The other is exciting teenage signing Tynan Thompson, whose biggest asset is his blistering speed.
Although United's new-look front three of Benjamin Sesko, Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has shown plenty of promise, one obvious weakness still stands out - a lack of outright pace on the flanks. That issue is most noticeable down the left side, where Cunha has featured for the majority of pre-season.
The former Wolves star enjoyed a productive first campaign at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals and supplying four assists. There is little doubt he has justified his arrival. However, his strengths lie in his technical quality, creativity and intelligent movement rather than explosive pace, meaning United still lack genuine speed threat in wide areas.
Rashford's Return Could Solve Problem
Rashford is one player who could solve that problem. The forward looked set for a permanent switch to Barcelona, but after the Spanish champions spent £70million on Anthony Gordon instead, Rashford's hopes of remaining in Catalonia appear dashed. Should he remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer, Rashford would hand Carrick qualities that very few of his forwards possess - electric speed, direct dribbling and an ability to push opposition back lines deeper.
United also have another rapid attacker in the shape of new arrival Tynan Thompson. The 18-year-old winger completed his move from Tottenham earlier this month in a transfer worth an initial £4million, with another £4million included in performance-related add-ons. Whether Thompson becomes part of Carrick's senior squad this season remains uncertain, but his lightning pace and eagerness to attack defenders make him an exciting talent.
Thompson, an England youth international, scored 13 goals and provided six assists across Tottenham's Under-18 and Under-21 sides last season. Seven of those goals came in just seven UEFA Youth League appearances.
Transfer Activity Continues
The teenager became United's first attacking addition of the summer. Before his arrival, the club's transfer business had been centred on reinforcing midfield, with Chelsea's Andrey Santos and Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans both joining earlier this month. United had also been closing in on Atalanta midfielder Ederson after reaching an agreement for the Brazilian, only for the deal to collapse before completion. Attention has since turned towards alternative midfield targets, with AS Roma's Manu Kone and Brighton's Carlos Baleba both reported to be under consideration.
Although much of the club's focus has been on strengthening the centre of the pitch, United are looking to continue bolstering their front line ahead of the new season, leaving stars like Cunha under pressure to retain their place in the starting XI.
