Matheus Cunha has demonstrated he truly understands what it means to represent Manchester United, after agreeing to take part in a yearly community initiative. The Brazil international joined the club over the summer in a £62.5 million switch from Wolves, with United beating multiple rivals to secure his signature. At 26, Cunha has fast become a fan favourite not only through his performances but also due to his engagement beyond the pitch.
Strong Wolves campaign leads to big-money United transfer
The forward played a crucial role in helping Wolves avoid relegation last season, netting 15 goals for the Midlands side. His form sparked interest from various Premier League clubs, but Wolves insisted he would only depart if his £62.5m ($82m) release clause was met.
Although Cunha has scored just one Premier League goal for United so far — coming in a commanding 4-2 home win over Brighton last month — his determination and high-energy displays have made a strong impression. He has comfortably integrated into Ruben Amorim’s side, operating either as the central striker or in one of the advanced supporting positions.
However, it is his contribution to local community efforts ahead of Christmas that has further endeared him to supporters.
Cunha reveals lifelong Manchester United connection
Altrincham’s festive celebrations begin this weekend, with two notable figures set to switch on the Christmas lights this Saturday. Dancing on Ice winner Sam Aston, known for his role as Chesney in Coronation Street, will join Cunha in launching the town’s ‘Neon Noel’ Christmas build-up.
His involvement in the community comes as little surprise, especially after he revealed earlier this year that he supported Manchester United as a child following his move to Amorim’s squad. Cunha shared that he followed the club while growing up in Brazil and idolised Wayne Rooney.
“It’s quite a funny memory. The only place where we could watch Premier League matches was at my grandma’s house. My own home didn’t have the channel, and neither did my cousin’s. So at weekends, we’d go to my grandma’s to watch the games,” he recalled.
“He’s older than me and he supported United, so he introduced me to the Premier League and told me I had to support United too. The club always felt like part of me. When we played on gravel streets, we used to call them Old Trafford. Looking back now, and actually being here, it’s very emotional.”
‘Rooney – wow!’
Cunha explained that Rooney was the player he admired most, having moved from Everton to United in 2004 before returning in 2017, and believes he shares traits with the former England captain.
“It’s always difficult to explain because I remember watching that whole squad when I first started following them. But up front — Rooney — wow! I think I see a lot of myself in the way he played, always giving everything,” he said.
“He wore the No. 10 shirt and people loved the skill, but he always offered so much more. He would drop back to win the ball — that kind of fire inside him was an inspiration.”
What is Altrincham?
Altrincham is an affluent suburban area located south of Manchester. Many footballers live in and around the region, including nearby villages like Hale, where Cunha has now settled.
Former United goalkeeper David De Gea occasionally used National League side Altrincham FC’s stadium, Moss Lane, for personal training while he was a free agent in 2023. He later joined Fiorentina and has since impressed with the Italian club.
De Gea also once shared a humorous early-career memory from his time adjusting to life in England, involving an accidental encounter with some doughnuts at a local Tesco.
“Nothing serious happened,” he said. “Me, my cousin and a friend went to the shop hungry and grabbed doughnuts. We were planning to buy more things. I realised I’d left my wallet in the car, so I went to get it. They thought I was leaving without paying, and I tried to explain, but my English was still poor, so it took some time.
“In the end, a Spanish woman came along and helped translate, and they ended up apologising. They made a big fuss out of nothing — but I just laughed it off.”