Cunha’s Impact at United and Community Engagement in Altrincham

The Brazilian international played a pivotal role last season as Wolves successfully avoided relegation, netting 15 goals for the Midlands club. This impressive performance sparked speculation surrounding a potential transfer from Molineux, with several Premier League teams expressing interest in Cunha. However, Wolves maintained that he would only be sold if his £62.5 million ($82 million) release clause was activated.

Currently, Cunha has managed only one league goal for Manchester United, scored during a convincing 4-2 victory against Brighton last month. Nevertheless, his strong work ethic has earned him the admiration of supporters. He has seamlessly integrated into Ruben Amorim’s team, contributing both as a forward and in supporting roles behind the striker.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Cunha’s involvement in off-field activities has further endeared him to fans. The 26-year-old has committed to participating in local events leading up to Christmas. This weekend marks the beginning of Altrincham’s festive celebrations, and Cunha will join renowned dancer Sam Aston, known for his role in Coronation Street, to illuminate the Christmas lights. Together, they will kick off Altrincham’s ‘Neon Noel’ festivities, heralding the countdown to Christmas Day.

Cunha’s desire to engage with the local community aligns with his background as a Manchester United supporter since childhood. He revealed that growing up in Brazil, he admired the club and idolized Wayne Rooney. “It’s a funny story. My grandma’s house was the only place where we could watch the Premier League. My own house and my cousin’s home didn’t have the channel, so we would organize our weekends there to watch the matches,” he recounted.

Cunha credited his older cousin for introducing him to Manchester United, stating, “For me, this club has always been a part of my life. Playing on the gravel pitch, we referred to it as Old Trafford. It’s surreal to be here now; reflecting on the past is incredibly emotional for me.”

Regarding his admiration for Rooney, Cunha noted, “It’s challenging to articulate because I remember the entire squad from when I first started watching them. Rooney—wow! I believe I have many similarities to his game, as I always give my all. He was known for wearing the No. 10 shirt and for his skills, but he always contributed more by fighting for the ball. His energy was a significant example for me.”

Altrincham is recognized as one of the more affluent suburbs south of Manchester, hosting numerous players, including those in nearby upscale villages. Cunha now resides in Hale, an area known for its wealth.

In a light-hearted anecdote, former United goalkeeper David De Gea shared that he occasionally used Altrincham FC’s Moss Lane stadium to maintain his sharpness during his time as a free agent after his release in 2023. De Gea, who later signed with Fiorentina, recounted a humorous story about inadvertently taking doughnuts from a local Tesco shortly after arriving in England from Atletico Madrid in 2011. “We were hungry and took the doughnuts, planning to buy other items, but I realized I didn’t have my wallet. I went to the car to retrieve it, and they thought I was leaving without paying. Despite the misunderstanding, it was ultimately resolved, and I found the whole situation amusing.”