How Cunha and Mbeumo Could Transform United’s Front Line

It looks as if Mbuemo will sign for United any day now, and if he does join alongside Cunha, they would represent two key pieces in Amorim’s tactical puzzle as he looks to implement his signature 3-4-3 formation at Old Trafford.

Cunha: Direct Running and Long-Range Threat

Cunha is expected to take up the left-sided No 10 role in Amorim’s system — a position that demands technical ability, carrying power and goal threat from deeper zones. Unlike Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or even Joshua Zirkzee, Cunha offers more consistency in ball progression. He excelled last season at Wolves with his ability to pick up the ball in midfield and drive at defences, a trait that fits seamlessly into Amorim’s preference for attacking transitions from wide central areas.

Statistically, Cunha was one of the most efficient finishers in the league. He scored 15 goals from just 8.7 non-penalty xG, the second-highest overperformance in the Premier League behind Mbeumo. Five of those goals came from outside the box — joint-most alongside Bruno Fernandes — indicating a player who is confident and capable of scoring from range, which adds an extra dimension to United’s attacking threat.

Though such overperformance often comes with sustainability concerns, Cunha’s underlying numbers remain strong. He consistently got into dangerous shooting positions, and crucially, this wasn’t a one-season anomaly — he’s exceeded his xG figures in each of his two full Premier League campaigns. His signing gives United a reliable creator and scorer from advanced midfield zones, someone who can link play, stretch defences and contribute in build-up.

Mbeumo: The Missing Link on the Right

While negotiations continue, Mbeumo appears to be the ideal target for United’s right-sided No 10 role. Amorim himself outlined the qualities he was seeking for that position at the end of last season: a naturally left-footed player capable of operating both inside and out. Mbeumo fits that description perfectly.

The Cameroon international is coming off the best season of his career, recording 20 goals and eight assists across all competitions. His 15 non-penalty goals came from 7.6 xG — a striking overperformance that underlines his clinical finishing but also raises questions about repeatability. Simulations of his shot data suggested a typical player would match his tally only once in 200 seasons.

Still, what stands out is where and how Mbeumo scored. Many of his goals came from a consistent shooting zone just inside the right edge of the penalty box — a favoured area from which he curls efforts into the far corner. He also improved his movement at the back post and became more aggressive when attacking crosses, making him a more well-rounded forward.

Beyond scoring, Mbeumo was the Premier League’s leader in expected assists (9.3), underlining his creative value. His ability to generate and convert high-quality chances is particularly relevant for United, who ranked among the worst in the league for xG last season. Mbeumo also brings pressing intensity and physical strength — his use of body positioning to shield the ball has drawn comparisons to Eden Hazard’s ability to turn defenders in tight spaces.

Tactical Implications for Amorim’s 3-4-3

The addition of Cunha and Mbeumo will necessitate some reshuffling in United’s lineup. Bruno Fernandes, often fielded in a more advanced role last season, is likely to drop deeper into central midfield to make space for the new arrivals. This will have knock-on effects throughout the team, particularly for United’s wing-backs and central midfield pairings.

Both Cunha and Mbeumo are ball-dominant players who thrive when involved regularly in attacking moves. This means Amorim will need to recalibrate the team’s build-up patterns to give all three — including Fernandes — enough influence. The system may also require a centre-forward more suited to stretching defences than dropping deep, a trait not fully aligned with Rasmus Hojlund’s current style. Whether Amorim adjusts his demands or brings in another striker remains to be seen.

Sustainability or Scoring Purple Patches?

There are natural concerns about the sustainability of signing two players who significantly outperformed their xG. Finishing form can be volatile, and history shows that many players struggle to repeat such numbers year-on-year. But both Cunha and Mbeumo also post strong baseline metrics: they consistently get into dangerous positions, create chances, and offer variety in how they contribute — through direct dribbling, off-ball movement, and creative passing.

The focus, then, should be less on their overperformance and more on the volume and quality of chances they generate. This is what separates them from past cautionary tales like Timo Werner or Christian Benteke — both of whom were heavily reliant on scoring runs rather than sustained attacking influence.

Proven Quality with Room to Grow

Another benefit for United is that both players are already Premier League-proven. There’s no adaptation curve, and their skillsets are well-suited to English football. Mbeumo’s versatility allows him to slot into multiple attacking roles, while Cunha offers flexibility to drift between lines and link midfield to attack.

While neither player will fix United’s issues alone, they are important first steps in building a more dynamic, effective attacking unit. They offer directness, end product, and tactical compatibility with Amorim’s vision.

Conclusion: Laying the Foundation

Cunha and Mbeumo represent a modern, data-driven approach to recruitment: attacking players who not only contribute goals but also raise the team's creative ceiling. Their additions could mark a shift away from over-reliance on Fernandes, offering a more balanced attacking structure with multiple threats from wide areas.

There’s still work to be done — especially at wing-back and striker — but these two signings provide a solid foundation for Ruben Amorim to start shaping Manchester United in his image. Whether they can deliver over the long term remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: United are moving with purpose this summer.