Revealed: What ‘special’ star requested of INEOS this summer shows he wants to be the ‘protagonist’

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·5 luglio 2025

Revealed: What ‘special’ star requested of INEOS this summer shows he wants to be the ‘protagonist’

With Manchester United players due to report back for pre-season training on Monday, there will be only one new face amongst the first-team squad.

Barring any rapid developments over the weekend with Bryan Mbeumo, Ruben Amorim will begin his preparations for 2025/2026 with Matheus Cunha as the sole summer signing added to his ranks.

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There may also be several key figures absent at Carrington, too, as reports on Friday revealed that Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford had all informed the club of their desire to leave this summer.

As a result, their return dates have been delayed until late July to allow them to negotiate their potential exits in the coming weeks.

Cunha in, but who’s heading out?

Cunha signed a five-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months. (Photo via @ManUtd)

Rashford is one player who’s been consistently linked with a move across Europe following his fallout with Amorim last December, which culminated with him being sent on loan to Aston Villa in the subsequent January window.

Both he and the Midlands outfit opted against making his transfer permanent, with the 27-year-old now said to have his sights set on a dream move to Barcelona.

Rashford’s agent held talks with the La Liga champions’ Sporting Director Deco at the start of the summer, and now that they’ve had an offer rebuffed for Luis Diaz and look set to miss out on first-choice target Nico Williams, they could well turn to the United graduate to bolster Hansi Flick’s ranks.

Rashford accepts Cunha request to inherit No.10 shirt

United’s homegrown talent has agreed to give up the No.10. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Whilst the forward explores his options away from Old Trafford, United have stripped him of his number and awarded the iconic No.10 to Cunha.

It’s claimed the former Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman – hailed as a ‘special’ talent by ex-manager Vitor Pereira – specifically requested that he inherit the number ahead of his maiden campaign, although he would’ve respected Rashford’s wishes had he taken issue with the appeal.

“Matheus Cunha requested the No.10 shirt. He is the kind of player who wants to be a protagonist and shoulder the pressure of wearing the number,” said Ben Jacobs on X/Twitter on Friday.

“However, Cunha was respectful of the fact that when he joined MUFC it was still Marcus Rashford’s shirt.

“In discussions, United informed Rashford in advance that Cunha was going to be given No.10. Rashford understood, as he is exploring a move away. Exit is viewed as suiting all parties. Rashford’s preference remains Barcelona.”