The spark to reinvigorate Man Utd? How Cunha fits Amorim’s plans

But the important thing about the Brazilian’s ball-carrying ability is how deep he likes to drop to get possession. That opens up possibilities for his new club.

United’s central midfield are frequently suffocated by the press, forcing them to pass it backwards to the back three.

The job of both of the number 10s on either side of the main striker is to drop deep for the ball and use their movement to drag an opposing defender out of position.

Cunha can drop deep to receive the ball, wriggle free of challenges and dart into the half-spaces.

This creates space behind the defender who has been pulled out of position.

As Cunha showed at Wolves, after receiving the ball from defence. he can release an overlapping full-back wide to cross.

Similarly, Cunha can pull wider to receive the ball, allowing other players to occupy the half-space to confuse the opposition.

And he is unperturbed by players attempting to get the ball from him, even when they hunt in packs.