Before the official announcement on 8/7, word had spread within the club that the player, who recently transferred from Wolves for 84.6 million USD, would receive the coveted shirt.
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Cunha signing his contract with Man Utd in June. Photo: Man Utd |
Cunha signing his contract with Man Utd in June. Photo: Man Utd
Cunha is a versatile player, capable of playing as a center-forward, attacking midfielder, or winger. He also wore the number 10 shirt during his time at Wolves. During his three seasons at Molineux Stadium, Cunha was one of the most effective players in English football. The 26-year-old Brazilian forward scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 92 appearances, averaging 0.5 goals per game.
Man Utd's number 10 shirt has been vacant since the latter half of the 2024-2025 season, when Marcus Rashford moved to Aston Villa on loan. The English forward's departure was due to a conflict with manager Ruben Amorim. Rashford performed well at Aston Villa, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 17 matches. However, as Aston Villa did not finish in the top 5 of the Premier League last season, the club declined to make the transfer permanent.
Man Utd is now looking to sell Rashford before the start of the new season. Both Barca and Bayern have expressed interest. However, the two clubs are also considering acquiring Luis Diaz from Liverpool.
Rashford's contract runs until June 2028, with a weekly wage of 400,000 USD. To facilitate a sale, the Red Devils would need to significantly reduce their asking price, and Rashford would have to accept a lower salary.
Man Utd's players reported for pre-season training on 7/7. Manager Amorim granted Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia permission to report late to resolve their transfer situations. If they are unable to find new clubs soon, these five players will rejoin the squad at the end of the month.
The number 10 shirt at Man Utd has previously been worn by legendary players: Sir Bobby Charlton, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The most successful player to wear the shirt was Wayne Rooney, the club's record goalscorer with 253 goals, who also won a Champions League title with the Red Devils.
Thanh Quy (Man Utd)
