Manchester United’s newest signing Matheus Cunha made a shocking attempt at a clear chance for Brazil just days after joining the Red Devils.
The 26-year-old missed an open goal after being presented with the clear-cut opportunity following a Gabriel Martinelli cross.
He headed the ball backwards and across the goal, straight into the Paraguayan defence, in what looked more like a cross during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
United scooped Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million on June 1 and he became Ruben Amorim’s first summer signing.
The Red Devils are looking to overhaul their squad after a miserable season which saw them finish a lowly 15th in the Premier League and miss out on European competition for just the second time in 35 years.
Despite his horror miss, United’s latest recruit put in an impressive display as Brazil beat Paraguay 1-0 to give new boss Carlo Ancelotti his first win.
Matheus Cunha missed an open goal after being presented with an open goal by Martinelli
Cunha headed the ball backwards and across the goal, straight into the Paraguayan defence
The ex-Madrid manager had overseen a goalless draw with Ecuador on Thursday, with Cunha only appearing from the bench.
But he started in the No 10 position against Paraguay, where he will likely feature at Old Trafford, and pounced on a loose ball before finding Vinicius Jr to provide an assist for the only goal of the game.
But fans on social media were keen to focus on his shocking miss.
‘How is that even possible,’ one wrote.
‘The Man United curse has caught up with him,’ another added.
‘This guy is gonna flop so hard at United, gonna be sad to see’, another fan said.
Cunha netted 33 times in 92 appearances for Wolves after initially joining from Atletico Madrid on loan in January 2023.
He penned a deal permanently at the end of that season for up to 40m euros (£35m).
Fans were quick to blast Cunha for his miss just days after he signed for Man United for £62.5m
Ruben Amorim’s side won’t compete in Europe next season for just the second time in 35 years
Cunha enjoyed an impressive final campaign in the Midlands, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
His total was significantly higher than any United player managed in the league, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo ending as joint top scorers with eight each.
It is believed United will pay Wolves in three instalments of £20.85m over two years after the Molineux club rejected an offer to stagger the payment over five years.
He was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the season despite signing a new four-year deal with Wolves in February and looks set to receive Marcus Rashford’s No 10 shirt.
Amorim is desperate to bolster United’s attack with Rasmus Hojlund out of form at the end of last season, while Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho look set to depart.
United only scored 44 league goals, their lowest ever tally in the Premier League era.
But the Portuguese boss won’t have an unlimited transfer fund and will offload players to free up cash, with the majority of his squad available for the right price. Indeed, their budget is understood to be around £125m plus whatever money the club can raise.
United are in negotations with Brentford for £60m rated forward Bryan Mbeumo and are eyeing a move for Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
