Manchester United will move for Xavi Simons if they miss out on Matheus Cunha
Manchester United must carefully plan their moves ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window following a disastrous season. Manager Ruben Amorim still lacks the right profile of players to fully implement his system, and several key areas need addressing. The club are in urgent need of a striker, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to meet expectations. As a result, United have been linked with several forward options in the market.
In addition to a striker, United are also in desperate need of a creative midfielder. Bruno Fernandes has shouldered the bulk of the creative responsibilities in midfield, and the team now requires a partner who can share the load. Securing a creative playmaker would significantly help Amorim in executing his tactical vision more effectively next season.
Xavi Simons or Matheus Cunha?
Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Manchester United are firmly in the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha this summer. However, Arsenal’s late entry into the competition for his signature could complicate matters for the Red Devils. According to Teamtalk, if United are unable to secure Cunha, they will turn their attention to Xavi Simons. From a strategic point of view, pursuing Simons could be a blessing in disguise for United.
While Cunha would add a physical edge and versatility to the attack, Simons offers greater creativity, dynamism, and long-term upside. In the context of Ruben Amorim’s system, which demands technical excellence and fluidity, Xavi Simons might actually prove to be the better fit for Manchester United’s rebuild.
Manchester United have been monitoring Xavi Simons for quite some time and are highly impressed with his performances and overall profile. However, he has not yet become the club’s first-choice target, primarily due to his steep price tag, which currently stands at €80 million, significantly higher than what United would need to pay for Matheus Cunha.
Simons has been in impressive form during the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances. Six of those goals have come at home, while three were scored away. Overall, Simons is averaging 0.43 goals per 90 minutes. In addition, he has amassed 13 goal contributions (goals + assists) this season, averaging 0.62 goal involvements per 90 minutes. His non-penalty expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes stands at 0.40, underlining his strong attacking impact and consistency.
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The Dutch midfielder could bring a real spark to Manchester United’s attack. With his quick feet, sharp dribbling, and eye for a pass, Simons possesses the flair and energy United often lack. Whether deployed through the middle or out wide, he is the type of unpredictable, high-quality player who can break down stubborn defences and inject much-needed creativity into the final third.
However, splashing €80 million on Simons might not be the smartest move. While he is brimming with potential, he is still finding his footing at the highest level. United might be wiser to pursue slightly more affordable options like Morgan Gibbs-White or Eberechi Eze, players who would add similar creativity while leaving room in the budget to address more urgent needs, such as signing a top-class striker or strengthening the backline.