Exclusive: Man Utd Legend Tips Matheus Cunha to Become Icon – But Warns Against Eric Cantona-Like Temper

Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy hopes new signing Matheus Cunha channels his fiery spirit to help the club enjoy a successful Premier League campaign.

Brazil international forward Cunha joined the Red Devils last month in a high-profile £62.5million deal from Wolves.

McIlroy was delighted to see the 26-year-old sign a five-year deal with the club, with the option of a further 12 months, almost exactly a month ago.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, McIlroy stressed: “He’s the type of players who will set United fans alight, there’s no doubt about that."

“But, the only thing I’m a little bit concerned about, is that he’s a character and we’ve seen what he can do if he gets wound up."

“He’s been wound up a couple of times at Wolves and been involved in a few little skirmishes."

“I don’t mind that, just so long as he’s on the pitch more than he’s off it."

“I’m not saying he’s like Eric Cantona, there were probably different type of players."

“But you want somebody with a little bit of strut about them, you want them to grow as a Manchester United player and understand what it’s all about playing for the club."

“He’s skilful, he can score goals and he can make goals, he’s the type of player we’ve been looking for, for a while."

“I just hope he doesn’t get involved when they (other teams) try and kick him."

“I think that’s what other teams will do, they’ll try and upset him."

“I just hope players like Bruno Fernandes can look after him – and other players on the park – so we get the best out of him."

“We want to make sure we can keep him in check rather than off the field because he can win you games."

PROVEN QUALITY

“He’s proven, which is what the club needed. We need somebody to come in who's delivered in the Premier League before – and he’s done that," he told SportsBoom.com. 

Cunha scored 33 goals in 92 games for Wolves, with 29 of those goals in 82 Premier League appearances across two and a half seasons at Molineux.

And the former Atletico Madrid ace, capped 15 times by his country, is relishing the chance to prove his worth at Old Trafford.

“It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player,” he revealed, shortly after signing a contract with the club.

“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 and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt. I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality."

“I can’t wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my team-mates and prepare for the season ahead."

“All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team, and helping get this club back to the top.”

McIlroy, affectionately known as the ‘Last Busby Babe' - legendary former United manager Sir Matt Busby’s final signings – is desperate for the club get back to winning ways after their worst Premier League season in history.

WORST PREMIER LEAGUE CAMPAIGN

A disappointing 15th place finish also saw United score a record 44 goals in 38 Premier Leage games last term, a worrying stat which made boss Ruben Amorim move quickly to bolster his attack.

And with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo remaining a key target for the Red Devils, ex-Northern Ireland international McIlroy hopes the club’s fortunes improve next season.

“Wolves were a struggling side and he (Cunha) still scored 15 goals, which is a great effort,” added McIlroy.

“You’d like to think with better players at United, respectively, he’d hopefully get some more."

“It was a great lift for the club getting in a player like him so early on, I’m sure it would have down well with a lot of the supporters."

United’s Director of football Jason Wilcox echoed those thoughts and said: “Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window."

"He has proved his ability to succeed in the Premier League as one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolves, and, before that, in Spain and Germany."

“He has all the qualities we are looking for as we seek to build a strong, dynamic and entertaining team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”