Manchester United 's failings in the transfer market have, once again, left them exposed and their poor start to the season leaves them frantically looking for recruits.
Erik ten Hag has only bought in three new players and has seen his side lose their opening two games, conceding six goals in the process. Saturday's humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford was particularly chastening.
The uncertainty around Cristiano Ronaldo's future is having a negative impact on the squad and replacements for the wantaway striker may have to be considered. Ralf Rangnick, who was in interim charge at Old Trafford last term, spoke to the club about a host of names they should pursue.
While they have ignored the German so far, a potential swoop for Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha hints he is finally being listened to.
It was Rangnick who signed Brazilian Cunha as a teenager when he was in charge at RB Leipzig. The tactician was confident he could complement the style of play at the Red Bull Arena and his previous comments certainly suggest he would be a good fit in Manchester.
Speaking in 2018, he said: "Matheus Cunha is a really intriguing player for us. His pace and attacking threat for his age is impressive and he will fit our philosophy well."
Rangnick, who was set to take up a role as a consultant at United this season before those plans were scrapped, earmarked a number of other options for the Red Devils. Several of them ply their trade at his former club Leipzig, with forward Christoper Nkunku, who scored over 30 times last term, among them
Now, the Daily Mail reports that United are weighing up a £45million bid for Atletico's Cunha, who has only spent one year in the Spanish capital. Cunha is open to a switch after an injury-hit season at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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He was absent for the two Champions League last-16 matches against the Red Devils, a tie which was won by Atletico. He would only score seven times in 37 outings and is currently competing for a starting berth against the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix.
Cunha came on as a late substitute in Atletico's opening game of the season, a 3-0 win at Getafe on Monday, but negotiations regarding an exit are thought to be underway. There is a growing sense that United could offload Ronaldo, which would leave them light in attack and lacking firepower.
Ronaldo was absent from the club's pre-season tour and was only introduced as a substitute in United's game with Brighton on the opening weekend, before starting the thrashing at Brentford.
