VIDEO: Matheus Cunha Snubbed by Jack Wilshere

Wilshere Ranks Top Summer Signings by Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool

It was a lively afternoon at Soccer Aid when Jack Wilshere, once hailed as one of England’s brightest midfield talents, gave his unfiltered opinion on the summer’s most exciting Premier League signings. In an exclusive segment with GOAL, Wilshere was handed a familiar challenge: Start, Bench, Sell. The three contenders? Matheus Cunha, newly acquired by Manchester United; Rayan Cherki, Man City’s creative new addition; and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s headline-making transfer who is set to become the most expensive signing in British football history.

And the former Arsenal man didn’t mince his words. Matheus Cunha? Sold. Just like that.

WHAT HAPPENED? Wilshere Makes His Picks

Florian Wirtz Liverpool GFX

Wilshere, speaking with his usual candour, didn’t hesitate:

“I’m selling Matheus Cunha. I just don’t see him hitting the ground running the way Wirtz will. And Cherki, he’s got something, so I’d have him on the bench. But Wirtz? Start. Every time. He brings energy, intelligence, and a creative spark that’s rare in a player his age.”

It was a strong statement. Especially considering Matheus Cunha’s prolific final season at Wolves where he notched 15 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances. The Brazilian has earned a reputation for his flair, versatility, and ability to carry an attack—qualities that no doubt caught United’s attention when they sealed a deal reportedly worth £62.5 million.

But clearly, none of that was enough to sway Wilshere.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Is Wilshere Right About Matheus Cunha?

Matheus Cunha Manchester United 2025

You can’t blame Matheus Cunha if he uses Wilshere’s comments as fuel. The 25-year-old is heading into a new era, joining Manchester United with a huge spotlight on his back. CEO Omar Berrada even described him as a “Cantona-esque” presence when the signing was confirmed earlier this summer.

United are in desperate need of cutting edge up front. After a mixed campaign, where they relied heavily on the raw talent of Rasmus Højlund and struggled for creativity in the final third, Matheus Cunha’s arrival is viewed internally as the perfect antidote.

Yet Wilshere is clearly placing his chips elsewhere.

Let’s break down his other two picks:

Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

It’s no surprise that Wilshere’s top pick was Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen prodigy has been sensational in the Bundesliga, playing a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten domestic campaign last season. His move to Liverpool, expected to be confirmed officially this Friday, is being touted as a British transfer record.

And he’s not just hype. Wirtz combines incredible football IQ with positional flexibility, often drifting between attacking midfield and the left flank with ease. In a Liverpool side transitioning into a post-Klopp era, he could well be the new face of the rebuild.

Rayan Cherki to Manchester City

Then there’s Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman comes with a long-standing reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most naturally gifted young players. His move to Manchester City marks another forward-thinking investment by Pep Guardiola’s side. Cherki may not be a guaranteed starter yet, but in a team that rotates as cleverly as City does, his game time will likely be plentiful.

Wilshere sees the upside. He may be raw, but Cherki’s creative potential makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s technical blueprint.

MATHEUS CUNHA: THE MAN WITH A POINT TO PROVE

So where does that leave Matheus Cunha? On the sell pile, according to Wilshere, but he may be exactly the kind of player who thrives in proving people wrong. A Brazilian international with a sharp football brain and an ability to play across the front line, Matheus Cunha’s qualities are well suited to the pace of the Premier League.

And he won’t have to wait long to show what he’s made of. United kick off their pre-season schedule against Leeds United in Stockholm on July 19. All eyes will be on Matheus Cunha as he attempts to make an early impression in Erik ten Hag’s setup.

Wilshere’s Opinions Divide Fans

Unsurprisingly, Wilshere’s comments have sparked debate across social media. Some fans agree with his appraisal, citing Wirtz’s proven output in European competition and Cherki’s upside. Others, particularly those in the red half of Manchester, are calling it premature.

“Cunha has Premier League experience, Wirtz and Cherki don’t. Wilshere’s logic makes no sense,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Others took a more balanced view:

“Fair opinion. Wirtz is elite. Matheus Cunha’s good, but 15 goals in a mid-table team isn’t quite the same as thriving under United pressure.”

WHAT NEXT? The Road Ahead for the Trio

Rayan Cherki Manchester City 2025-26

• Matheus Cunha: Likely to make his United debut on July 19 vs Leeds. If he hits the ground running, Wilshere’s dismissive comments could soon look hasty.
• Florian Wirtz: His Anfield unveiling is expected on Friday. Liverpool fans are already dreaming of how he might link up with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Núñez.
• Rayan Cherki: Gearing up for Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign in the U.S. He’ll be part of Pep’s rotation right from the start.

Final Thoughts: Healthy Debate, Hungry Players

Jack Wilshere’s snub of Matheus Cunha may come off as harsh, but it underscores the high expectations surrounding the Premier League’s top clubs. For Matheus Cunha, it’s motivation. For fans, it’s compelling.

In the end, all three signings bring something unique to the table. Whether Wilshere is proven right or not will unfold over the coming months. But if there’s one certainty, it’s that Matheus  Cunha will be keen to change the narrative.

He’s not just out to win games. Now, he’s out to prove a point.