Cunha Dubs Rooney the GOAT No.10: From Old Trafford Heroes to Thai Pitch Dreams

Picture this: you're a Manchester United new boy, handed the legendary No.10 shirt, and you get to pick your all-time fave wearer. For Matheus Cunha, it's not the samba king Ronaldinho – though the Brazilian wizard was his childhood idol – but none other than United's record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney. Yeah, the Scouser with thunderbolts in his boots and a work rate that'd shame a caffeinated squirrel.

Cunha, fresh off a summer 2025 switch from Wolves, spilled the beans in a chat tied to DHL, United's logistics pals. "Rooney's my top No.10 ever," he beamed. "Grew up glued to his telly highlights – those massive moments for the club. Wearing his number now? Massive honour."

He's not just talking; the lad's backing it up. Seven goals already for the Red Devils, including a proper nail-biter winner in a 3-2 thriller over league toppers Arsenal back in January. "Not my prettiest strike," Cunha admitted, "but in that cauldron? Pure magic. The buzz around Manchester was electric – best goal of my life so far."

Shirt Legends and Cunha's Rapid Rise

That No.10 rag has graced some serious talent at Old Trafford: Rashford, Zlatan, Van Nistelrooy, Sheringham. Cunha's slotting right in, turning heads at 26. From futsal streets in Brazil to Swiss stints with Sion, he's got that flair mixed with grit.

"Rashford's class, played against him plenty," Cunha added. "But as a kid? Rooney was the man. Those overhead kicks and piledrivers – unreal."

It's like inheriting the family heirloom and immediately polishing it with bangers. United fans are buzzing; this Paraiba lad could be the next in a line of shirt-wearers who deliver the goods.

Pitch Perfect: United's Thai Adventure with DHL

But Cunha's not all about personal glory. He's chuffed with United and DHL's latest good deed: shipping a top-notch 9x9 pitch to Mae Suek, a remote Thai spot battered by monsoons and mountains. No more mud baths for the local kids – this one's got FIFA Grade 4G turf, just like Carrington.

Patrice Evra, treble-winning legend, popped up for the big reveal. Teammates Mason Mount and Harry Maguire were buzzing too. "Magic for those kids," said Mount. "We've got it easy; this levels the playing field."

Maguire chipped in: "I was lucky with pitches growing up. Without 'em, no England caps for me. This could spark the next big thing."

Cunha, who honed his skills on Brazilian futsal courts, gets it. "Sport changes lives," he said. "Give kids a proper pitch, teach 'em through football – that's building better humans. Beautiful stuff, proper investment."

World Cup Ambitions and Champions League Charge

At 26, Cunha's unlocking new levels. Next up? Crashing Brazil's World Cup squad – his first crack at the big one. And dragging United back into the Champions League for 2026-27? That'd open floodgates for Euro glory.

From Wolves warrior to Old Trafford No.10, he's loving it. Rooney nod aside, expect more drama. If that Arsenal screamer's the starter, what's the main course? Grab your popcorn, Reds – Cunha's cooking.

(Originally inspired by insights from Goal.com)

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