Manchester United’s newest signing, Matheus Cunha, has shared that he grew up idolizing club legend Wayne Rooney while watching the Red Devils at his grandmother’s house in Brazil. The £62.5 million ($85 million) transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers marks a dream come true for the 24-year-old Brazilian international, who completed his move to Old Trafford on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Cunha’s emotional connection to the club, rooted in his childhood memories, has struck a chord with fans as he aims to emulate his hero’s passion and impact at United.
Cunha, who has signed a contract until 2030 with an option for an additional year, spoke candidly in his first interview as a United player about his lifelong admiration for the club. Growing up in Brazil, he didn’t have access to Premier League broadcasts at home, but his grandmother’s house became a sanctuary for football. “It’s a funny story,” Cunha told MUTV’s Danny Webber. “Only in my grandma’s house could we watch the Premier League. My house didn’t have the channel, my cousin’s house didn’t have the channel. We organized to go to my grandma’s house to watch the Premier League every weekend.” It was there, glued to the screen, that Cunha fell in love with Manchester United, particularly the 2008 Champions League-winning squad. Among the stars of that era, Wayne Rooney stood out as his ultimate inspiration.
“[Rooney’s] someone I think I have a lot of particulars in my game, as I always give EVERYTHING,” Cunha said, drawing parallels between his playing style and the former United captain’s relentless energy. Rooney, who wore the iconic No. 10 shirt from 2007 to 2017, scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. Cunha, now set to don the same No. 10 shirt previously worn by Rooney and other legends like David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy, feels a deep sense of responsibility to live up to its legacy. “When asked if any players from this time stuck out in his mind, Cunha instantly named Wayne Rooney,” reported United In Focus, highlighting the profound influence the England icon had on the young Brazilian.
Cunha’s admiration for Rooney goes beyond mere fandom. He sees similarities in their approach to the game, emphasizing his own commitment to leaving everything on the pitch. “I always give EVERYTHING, just like he did,” Cunha reiterated, sparking excitement among fans who hope he could become a “Rooney 2.0” for the modern era. Social media posts on X captured the sentiment, with one user, @mufcytp, writing, “What if he goes on to become Rooney 2.0 for Manchester United?” alongside a quote from Cunha about their shared intensity.
The Brazilian’s move to United comes at a pivotal moment for the club, which is looking to recover from its worst league season in 51 years. Despite the Red Devils’ recent struggles, Cunha’s belief in the project under new head coach Ruben Amorim remains unshaken. “There is no-one else like United,” he told The Mirror, expressing his determination to help restore the club’s glory days. Cunha’s impressive record of 17 goals in all competitions for Wolves last season, earning him the club’s players’ player of the year award, suggests he has the talent to make a significant impact.
Reflecting on his childhood, Cunha recalled watching United’s triumphs with his cousin at his grandmother’s house, dreaming of one day wearing the red shirt. “Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team,” he told The Standard. Now, as he steps into the Theatre of Dreams, Cunha is ready to channel the same passion that made Rooney a United legend. “All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team,” he added, signaling his intent to honor his idol’s legacy through dedication and performance.