Manchester United’s rebuild is underway following a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, and the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo could mark a turning point in their fortunes.

United’s attacking struggles were clear last season: despite ranking sixth in the Premier League for chances created, they finished near the bottom for shot conversion and goal accuracy. In fact, they failed to score in 15 league matches — more than any side outside the relegation zone.

Enter Cunha and Mbeumo.

Cunha, signed from Wolves, and Mbeumo, whose £71 million transfer has now been completed, bring proven Premier League experience and clinical finishing. Last season, Mbeumo outperformed his expected goals (xG) by seven — the best in the division. Cunha ranked third in the same metric, suggesting both players could add the cutting edge United have been missing.

Their arrival also reflects United’s renewed ambition. Mbeumo turned down interest from other top clubs, while captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, backing the new project under manager Ruben Amorim.

If these signings hit the ground running, United could finally have the firepower to turn creativity into consistent results — something they sorely lacked last season.

United’s Attacking Problem — By the Numbers:

• 6th in Premier League for chances created
• 19th (2nd worst) for shot conversion rate
• 17th for shot accuracy
• 15 games with 0 goals scored (only Southampton and Leicester had more)
• xG underperformance: -9.3 (i.e. should have scored 9+ more goals)

What Mbeumo Brings:

• Scored 20 goals in the 2024/25 PL season
• Registered 7 assists
• +7.1 xG overperformance — best in the league
• Played 242 games for Brentford: 70 goals, 51 assists

Mbeumo’s ability to outperform his expected goals shows a level of finishing efficiency that United sorely lacked. Despite Brentford’s mid-table status, he was one of the league’s most consistent threats in front of goal.

What Cunha Brings:

• Scored 14 goals, 5 assists for Wolves last season
• +5.2 xG overperformance — ranked 3rd in PL behind Mbeumo
• Proven versatility — can play as a central striker, second forward, or wide attacker
• Brings pressing intensity and ball-carrying ability United missed last term

Fitting the System:

Under new boss Ruben Amorim, United are likely to emphasize quick transitions and fluid front lines. Both Cunha and Mbeumo fit that bill:

• Cunha: aggressive presser, excels in link-up and counter-attacking play
• Mbeumo: sharp off-the-ball mover, dribbles into shooting zones, elite chance converter

Project Reset at Old Trafford:

With Bruno Fernandes staying despite Saudi interest, United have a chance to rebuild around a spine that now includes:

• Fernandes (creative engine)
• Cunha (movement and link-up)
• Mbeumo (finisher and wide threat)