United View: Cunha interest hots up as Reds prepare for Bilbao clash

Manchester United will travel to Bilbao this week to face Athletic Club Bilbao on Thursday in the semi-final of the Europa League. 

The final will be held at the Estadio San Mamés, so hopefully, it won’t be the last time they make the trip this season. 

However, they’ll first need to get past what could potentially be their toughest test in their European campaign.

The Reds began their week with a trip to the South Coast, facing off against Bournemouth. 

It looked as though the Cherries were going to be the sixth team to do the double over United in the league until Rasmus Hojlund popped up with a late goal to rescue a point.

This was the Dane’s fourth goal in the league this season, taking to social media to state that he ‘needed’ that goal. 

A lack of goals has been apparent from United’s front line, and until their 96th-minute equaliser, it seemed as though they were once again going to rue their missed chances.

United have been massively underperforming their xG (expected goals), scoring just one from an expected xG of 7.24 from four of their last five Premier League games. 

It’s no surprise, then, that the attack is seen as the area in need of urgent improvement, with the Reds already on the cusp of confirming a move for Matheus Cunha.

The Wolves forward has already outperformed his output of 19 goal involvements in the 23/24 season, notching 21 goals and assists this campaign. 

If reports are to be believed, United are happy to pay his £62.5m release clause (in instalments) and the player is eager to join Old Trafford.

Despite having his fair share of disciplinary issues this season, Cunha is a player with characteristics United desperately need right now. 

Someone who demands the ball and is brave enough to take risks to change a game, in addition to being a competent finisher.

With Victor Osimhen looking highly unlikely given his wage demands and considerable fee, Cunha is seen as the next best alternative to provide goals for United. 

The question now is who else they will try to bring in to supplement the attack.

Liam Delap has been rumoured to be on United’s target list, with his relegation clause now becoming active following Ipswich’s defeat to Newcastle on Saturday. 

The 22-year-old will be available for around £30m and has scored 12 goals in the league this season.

Given his price and age, it’s no wonder that he’s been identified by United’s recruitment staff; it’s just a case of whether he would be able to handle the step up as number nine at a club the size of Manchester United.

It’s uncertain whether Delap will favour a return to Manchester, after spending several years in Manchester City’s academy, with clubs like Chelsea supposedly also interested in securing the England U21 international’s signature. 

Something that may be clearer depending on United’s European status next season.

A good result on Thursday night could put the Reds in a favourable position ahead of the return fixture at Old Trafford, and United will only be spurred on by the news that Matthijs de Ligt and Amad have returned to training.

Amad’s absence has left a huge hole in United’s attacking threat, and if they can get him fully fit before the end of the season, it could be pivotal if they are to win the Europa League.

The Reds then face Brentford on Sunday, which will be interesting to see how Ruben Amorim rotates his side ahead of the second leg. 

He may likely call upon some of the young players at his disposal to rest some of his important players.