During his first year at United, Cunha operated primarily as a left winger or left forward under different managers, adapting to both a three-man and a two-winger setup. Under Ruben Amorim’s oversight initially, and subsequently under Michael Carrick, he found varying responsibilities within formations such as 3-4-2-1 and later 4-2-3-1. This versatility allowed him to contribute in wide areas as well as through the middle, forging an important link between the flanks and the central attack.
Recent developments around Cunha’s international career have further elevated expectations. In the 2026 World Cup cycle, Cunha was assigned Brazil’s No. 9 shirt and emerged as a focal point in the centre-forward position for the national team. His performances for Brazil have underscored his capacity to excel through the middle, where his combination of pace, movement, and finishing quality can stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities. This portrayal as a central striker aligns with how some of Brazil’s coaches have deployed him, including high-profile tacticians who have trusted him as a primary goal threat.
From a tactical perspective, United appears open to recalibrating Cunha’s responsibilities in the squad. Carrick has signalled ongoing objectives to reinforce the squad in the forward areas, notably highlighting the desire to add a specialist left winger. At the same time, the club’s search for a new striker has been more restrained, suggesting a strategic option to maximize Cunha’s usage in multiple forward roles rather than relying on a single fixed position. This dual approach could see Cunha operate as a centre-forward alongside Benjamin Sesko, while still contributing from the left when required.
The numbers from Cunha’s recent performances for Brazil provide a clear snapshot of his effectiveness in a central role. In a decisive World Cup group-stage win over Scotland, Cunha played 76 minutes and scored on the hour, contributing to a victory that secured Brazil’s top position in Group C. Sofascore rated his performance highly, awarding him 7.8 and placing him among Brazil’s standout players in that match. The statistical breakdown highlights his all-around contribution: 38 touches, a 100% success rate in dribbles attempted (2/2), an impressive 92% pass accuracy (24/26), five shots with two on target, one key pass, and four defensive actions with a perfect duel success rate of 100%.
These metrics illustrate Cunha’s ability to influence a game in multiple phases: scoring, creating opportunities, and contributing defensively. His five-shot tally indicates his willingness to take chances in attacking zones, while the high pass accuracy and number of defensive actions reflect a well-rounded contribution that benefits the team in both attack and transition play. For United, these attributes make him a valuable asset not only as a winger or support striker but also as a central figure in a more pronounced line of attack.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, there is a strong case for Cunha to feature more prominently as a centre-forward for Manchester United. If Carrick views him as a potential long-term No. 9 alongside Sesko, United could unlock a more streamlined front line that leverages Cunha’s movement, finishing ability, and ball-handling skills in central zones. However, this progression would likely be complemented by his continued versatility on the left, allowing the manager to rotate Cunha into multiple attacking lanes based on opponent, form, and tactical needs.
In summary, Cunha’s early impact at Manchester United demonstrated not only his goal-scoring ability but also his value as a flexible attacker capable of adapting to different systems. With the prospect of a central-forward role increasingly on the table, Cunha’s development could become a defining factor for United’s forward line in the upcoming season. If he can maintain his performance level in the central position while remaining effective on the left, he could be a cornerstone for United’s attack as they navigate squad development and potential strategic signings in the near term.
