Manchester United’s transfer window started brightly with the signing of Matheus Cunha, and Peter Schmeichel believes the club is already showing signs of a positive shift.
Securing Cunha early made a statement, even if the deal was straightforward thanks to his release clause. Since then, though, progress has slowed down. The Bryan Mbeumo saga continues, while the club searches for clarity in the striker department.
Outgoing business isn’t showing much direction either, which is one reason some fans are feeling uneasy about how the summer may pan out.
But Schmeichel is encouraged by what he’s seen so far – particularly with a signing Man United haven’t made in quite some time.
What Peter Schmeichel has said about Manchester United so far this window
The window started with promise but has since entered a predictable holding pattern.
United’s financial limitations mean a sale may be necessary to reignite momentum, and a lack of progress on outgoings is complicating plans.
But Cunha’s arrival remains a strong start that fits with the approach Sir Alex Ferguson once used to great success: bolstering the squad with proven Premier League talent.
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Speaking to MUTV, Schmeichel praised the approach, saying: “It’s a positive one [Cunha’s signing]. I think what we haven’t done, for a number of years, is to sign really, really good and well-performing players from the Premier League.
“And, for that to be the first signing, that is an important signal to send to everyone.”
Why Matheus Cunha suits what Man United are becoming
Though United still carry the prestige of an elite club, they’re largely shopping below the highest tier of global talent.
Players like Cunha and potentially Mbeumo reflect a shift toward smart recruitment rather than chasing big names who may not commit – a strategy that has burned the club before.
Sergio Ramos used the club for leverage, Frenkie de Jong stalled talks until it was clear his arrival wouldn’t work, and Casemiro ultimately joined on a massive contract he may have outgrown by that point.
Those cases are all different from Cunha’s situation. The Brazilian forward still needs to prove himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs – and this hunger may be crucial in helping put the Red Devils back where they belong.
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