Speaking to club media, Cunha said: “Maybe outside, I think maybe my decision, they don’t understand. But when you have always dreamed to play here, it’s easier to pick this decision. For me, no one else is like United. Of course, I know it’s been a hard season for everyone. I think my decision shows what this club means to me, and what I believe it can be again.”
Cunha also credited new manager Ruben Amorim for convincing him to make the move. I have a lot of faith in him. I hope he succeeds in conquering the world like he did in Portugal. I’m here to help the team — and to help him. All our discussions made my decision easier. You feel when a coach believes in you.”
The Brazilian went on to describe the emotional roots of his love for United: "It’s hard to explain. Only my grandma had the channel to watch the Premier League, so on weekends we would go to her house just to watch the games. My cousin supported United. He showed me the team, the players, the passion. When we played on the gravel pitch in Brazil, we used to call it ‘Old Trafford’. That’s how it started for me.”
Cunha also paid tribute to his idol, Wayne Rooney: "Rooney was the No. 10 and he gave everything. He tackled, he pressed, he fought. That kind of energy — I try to bring that to my game. I could name so many… Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Scholes, Carrick, Rio, Vidic. That whole team had a big impact on my teenage years.”