“Amorim must unleash Man Utd ‘monster’ who could soon be axed for Cunha”
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Amorim Must Unleash Man Utd “Monster” Who Could Soon Be Axed for Cunha
Ruben Amorim is only a few weeks into his Manchester United tenure, but the decisions he makes now will shape not just his debut season—but possibly the future of several high-profile players. With the club reportedly pushing hard to secure a move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, one name is increasingly being whispered as the potential casualty of that transfer: Rasmus Højlund.
It seems absurd at first glance. Højlund, only 21, arrived from Atalanta last summer for a hefty fee and showed glimpses of elite potential, especially during United’s Champions League run. But under Amorim, there’s a different expectation—of pressing, versatility, and fluidity. And while Højlund remains a rough diamond, the pressure is mounting.
Before United pull the trigger on a high-profile signing like Cunha, Amorim has one critical responsibility: to unleash the “monster” that Højlund was tipped to become. Because if he does, there might not be any need for replacements at all.
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The Early Promise of a Prodigy
When Manchester United signed Højlund in 2023, comparisons to Erling Haaland were inevitable. The towering frame, blistering speed, and tenacity in front of goal had scouts raving. And while he didn’t light up the Premier League immediately, his six goals in the Champions League group stage showed he was more than hype—he was a striker built for the biggest stages.
Off the pitch, Højlund has shown maturity and work ethic. On it, he possesses the raw materials of a top-tier No. 9: strength, intelligent movement, and a fearlessness in taking on defenders. Yet, there’s a sense he’s been shackled—either by the disjointed tactics of Erik ten Hag last season, or by a lack of proper service from midfield.
Amorim now has the opportunity to fix that.
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What Amorim Wants from a Striker
The Portuguese manager has a clear vision for how his front three should operate. During his time at Sporting CP, Amorim’s attack wasn’t centered around a traditional No. 9. Instead, he preferred interchangeable forwards, capable of dropping deep, pressing with intensity, and combining in tight spaces.
Matheus Cunha, currently at Wolves, fits that mould. He’s aggressive off the ball, can play wide or centrally, and is excellent at linking play. That’s likely why United are strongly linked with him—he’s already Premier League-proven and stylistically similar to the attackers Amorim relied on in Lisbon.
But if Amorim can mold Højlund into that kind of player, he wouldn’t just save the club £60 million—he’d turn a raw talent into a world-beater.
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Unleashing the “Monster” Within
Former coaches and teammates have referred to Højlund as a “monster in the making.” His athleticism alone gives him an edge over most defenders. He has the potential to bully centre-backs, stretch defensive lines, and finish with clinical precision. The challenge is refining those abilities within a tactical system that empowers him.
Under Amorim’s guidance, Højlund could transform. If he’s asked to press higher, work on link-up play, and become more involved in build-up, we might finally see the version of the striker United thought they were buying—a modern No. 9 with a devastating edge.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, with wide forwards drifting inside, could actually suit Højlund better than the 4-2-3-1 under Ten Hag. With runners like Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes around him, and someone like Mainoo pulling strings in midfield, Højlund would have more space and better support.
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Cunha Rumors Turn Up the Heat
Reports linking United with Matheus Cunha have intensified recently. The Brazilian enjoyed a breakout season with Wolves, notching 12 goals and 7 assists in all competitions. His agility and work rate have caught the eye of several top clubs—but United seem the most aggressive suitor.
Should Cunha arrive, he would likely displace Højlund in key matches. At best, the Danish striker could become a rotational option. At worst, he risks being pushed out altogether, possibly loaned out to continue his development elsewhere.
For a player who was seen as United’s long-term No. 9, that would be a shocking twist in the narrative.
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The Stakes for Højlund and United
The next few months are critical. With pre-season on the horizon, Amorim has a golden opportunity to test Højlund in a refined tactical role. If the striker adapts and flourishes, United might not need to spend huge money on Cunha. Instead, they could focus on strengthening in other areas—like midfield depth or a right-footed centre-back.
For Højlund, this is a make-or-break period. He must show more than just flashes of brilliance. Consistency, contribution in build-up, and improved decision-making will be the deciding factors.
His youth works in his favour. So does Amorim’s track record with developing young players. But he’ll have to convince the new manager that he’s not just a project—he’s ready now.
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The Fans Still Believe
Despite the ups and downs of his debut season, there’s still strong belief among the Old Trafford faithful that Højlund is the real deal. His passion, hunger, and connection with supporters have been evident. Unlike some recent signings, Højlund has never shirked responsibility or gone missing in big moments.
Amorim would be wise to tap into that energy. Rather than see the Cunha links as a reason to phase Højlund out, they should serve as motivation—for both the manager and the player—to unleash his full potential.
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Final Thoughts
It’s easy to chase the next shiny thing in football. United have spent too many seasons doing exactly that—switching managers, overhauling squads, and never quite building continuity. But in Rasmus Højlund, they already have a potential superstar. He just needs the right conditions to thrive.
Ruben Amorim’s system could either sideline him or finally unlock the “monster” that’s been caged. The choice is his—but one thing’s for sure: if Højlund explodes under Amorim’s guidance, United fans will be chanting his name long after the transfer window shuts.
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