Matheus Cunha Reveals Manchester United Legend He Wants to Emulate — After Watching Him Weekly at Grandma’s House

New Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha has opened up about the emotional journey that led him to the Theatre of Dreams, and the legendary figure he hopes to emulate in the iconic red shirt: Wayne Rooney. 

The £62.5 million Brazilian forward, who lit up the Premier League last season with 17 goals for Wolves, has confessed that Rooney was his childhood hero growing up in Brazil. His love for Manchester United started in the most heartwarming of places, his grandmother’s living room. 

“We didn’t have the Premier League channel at home. Neither did my cousin,” Cunha said. “But my grandma did. So we’d go every weekend to her place just to watch United.” 

At just 26, Cunha has already played for European giants like Atlético Madrid and dazzled at Wolves — but nothing, he says, compares to finally wearing the shirt of the team he’s supported since his youth. 

Watching the legendary 2007-08 Manchester United squad lift the Champions League sparked a deep bond with the club for Cunha. 

Among all the icons of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Ryan Giggs, it was Wayne Rooney’s tenacity and heart that resonated most with the young Brazilian. 

“I remember Rooney’s number 10 shirt. His energy, the way he gave everything, even sliding into tackles, made him special. I try to bring that same fire into my game.” 

After watching the team, Cunha and his friends would recreate matches on the streets, beaches, and dusty playgrounds of Joao Pessoa, affectionately naming their pitches “Old Trafford.” 

Cunha’s journey to Manchester United didn’t happen overnight. Back in 2017, while playing in the Dallas Cup with Brazilian side Coritiba, he caught the eye of United scouts. 

“One of our directors said a United official asked about me. I got so excited, I thought my dream was coming true. But the talks didn’t go further.” 

Eight years later, that dream has finally become reality, and Cunha believes the timing couldn’t be better. 

Despite United’s dismal 2024/25 season, finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European football, Cunha didn’t hesitate to make the move. 

“Maybe people outside won’t understand. But when it’s your dream club, it’s an easy decision. This shirt means everything to me.” 

A huge factor behind his final decision was manager Rúben Amorim, who also made the leap from Sporting to Old Trafford. 

“He convinced me. I believe in him and want to help him succeed here like he did in Portugal.” 

With childhood dreams now reality and a fiery determination to honor his idol, Cunha is ready to bring Rooney-like passion back to Manchester United. 

“I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learned, and now it’s time to be calm and give everything to this club.” 

United fans, brace yourselves. Matheus Cunha is here not just to play, but to inspire. The legacy of Rooney lives on in a new number, a new face, but the same never-say-die spirit.