Gary Neville: Cunha and Mbuemo Fit United’s New Identity with Bruno Staying | OneFootball

Bruno’s Loyalty, Cunha’s Promise, and Mbuemo’s Potential: Man United’s Shifting Landscape

In a time of uncertainty and underperformance at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes’ decision to stay at Manchester United despite lucrative Saudi interest has struck a chord. On the Sky Sports Premier League podcast, Gary Neville reflected on the importance of this move.

“It’s significant,” Neville began. “The money that was on the table was big… Manchester United’s star player, only player at times for the last four, five, six years, has been Bruno Fernandes.” His point was clear: Fernandes is more than a numbers man. He’s become a pillar of United’s resilience.

Neville emphasised Fernandes’ unique stature, stating, “He’s the one player that I can point towards that’s been a success out of the big signings that they’ve made.” For all the turnover and turbulence, Fernandes’ courage to take the ball “in difficult situations” stands out. His decision to remain at United, according to Neville, is as much about character as it is about footballing ability.

“At this moment in time, the club needs people who are going to run through a brick wall for them,” Neville said. “I think the decision he’s made this morning… says a lot about him as a person, as a character.”

Matheus Cunha and the Need for Personality

Looking ahead, Neville pointed to Wolves forward Matheus Cunha as a smart addition, praising his traits as vital to the club’s evolving identity.

“Cunha coming in does give them a couple of players with personality that might just make a difference next season,” Neville said. For a club often accused of lacking grit and urgency, Cunha’s style appears to match the requirement.

Neville highlighted how wide players at United must “be able to get from box to box quickly,” describing Cunha as someone who “can do that.” His ability to travel with or without the ball, alongside his intent and directness, are qualities United’s flanks have missed. In a squad possibly losing Sancho, Rashford, Antony and Garnacho, players like Cunha are positioned as antidotes to recent stagnation.

Mbuemo’s Mobility Suits United’s Structure

As United prepare a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, Neville’s analysis made clear why this particular profile fits the new plan. With Ruben Amorim’s system in mind, which employs two players behind a striker, Neville suggested both Cunha and Mbuemo could thrive.

“If those two players are Mbuemo and Cunha… United will at least be able to travel quickly from deep positions into sort of attacking positions because they can both run,” Neville explained. Importantly, he noted, “They’ve got plenty of games under their belt, it’s not new to them.”

That blend of Premier League familiarity and physical capability is not something United have prioritised enough in recent years. Neville described United’s current departing wingers as “more jinkers” suited to smaller spaces — a sharp contrast to Mbuemo’s direct, explosive style.

Old Trafford, Neville argued, “just feels a big pitch to play on,” and the width it demands requires players who can exploit that space. Mbuemo’s capacity to “run forward with real sort of intent and purpose” puts him in the right bracket.

Strategic Shift or Same Old United?

The looming arrivals of Cunha and Mbuemo, coupled with Fernandes’ defiant commitment, suggest United may finally be leaning into a clearer identity. Neville said it best: “They need players who are going to come in and hit the ground running.”

Whether this marks a genuine turning point or another false dawn depends on more than just personnel. But one thing is certain — Gary Neville sees the seeds of something promising, grounded in experience, character and athleticism.