Wayne Rooney urges Man Utd to ignore 'superstar names' and 'identify a core group of players' amid links to Wolves' Matheus Cunha

Rooney has encouraged his former club to move away from their historical focus on marquee signings and instead concentrate on building a stable squad around a committed core of players. Reports suggest United are in pole position to land the Brazilian forward, whose release clause is set at £62.5 million. While several other European clubs are tracking Cunha’s situation, the 25-year-old is reportedly keen on making Old Trafford his next home.

This campaign has been the most productive of Cunha’s career so far. He has scored 16 goals in all competitions, with 14 of those coming in the Premier League - a remarkable feat considering Wolves' overall inconsistency this season. Ruben Amorim typically deploys two attacking midfielders behind the central striker - a setup in which Cunha could excel, particularly in one of the advanced No. 10 positions.

Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Rooney said: "I think there are a lot of players who are good enough for Manchester United. I think he's (Cunha) a top player, and since a lot of players have gone now with ability and reputation and have struggled over the last few years, so, I think it's difficult. United needs to really identify a core group of players who can help sustain the club over the next two or three years. Instead of going for names which they've done in the past with (Romelu) Lukaku, (Paul) Pogba, Zlatan (Ibrahimovic). Going for superstars and names, which I don't think Cunha is at that level at the minute."

Rooney also pointed out that financial restrictions may play a part in United's summer plans. With Financial Fair Play regulations tightening, especially for clubs with inconsistent revenue streams due to Champions League absences, the margin for error is slim.

"Financial fair play might hit them as well, so the recruitment has to be miles better," he said. "Identify a group of players, a bit of what Liverpool have done over the last few years, and gradually get United back where they were."

While United’s Champions League status for next season remains uncertain - they must win the Europa League to guarantee a spot - the club could still offer Cunha an appealing legacy opportunity. With Marcus Rashford reportedly not expected to remain under Amorim’s leadership, his exit could leave the famous No. 10 jersey vacant.

That shirt has been worn by some of the most legendary names in the club’s history, including Rooney himself, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Denis Law, and Mark Hughes. Wearing such a number could serve as added motivation for Cunha should he make the move.