With a ‘verbal green light’ from United’s Brazilian star, the pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s playmaker becomes a priority for the summer midfield revamp.
Manchester United’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White is heating up, and the club may have an “inside man” to help seal the deal. Matheus Cunha, who has been a revelation since his £62.5m move to Old Trafford last summer, has already given his glowing endorsement of the Nottingham Forest playmaker.
The duo, who played together at Wolves, share a close bond that was famously highlighted during a “celebration war” in 2024 a moment Cunha later clarified was born out of pure respect for a “great player.”
The “Friendship Factor”: Cunha & Gibbs-White
Speculation that Cunha’s celebration (mimicking Gibbs-White) was a slight was quickly debunked by the United forward:
“It was a little bit of a joke with Morgan Gibbs-White. He’s a great player… it was just a little joke between us,” Cunha explained.
Gibbs-White echoed the sentiment, calling Cunha a “really good guy” and emphasizing their friendship. This existing chemistry is reportedly a key factor for Christopher Vivell as he looks to build a squad with strong internal character.
Tactical Versatility: The £60m Bargain?
While other midfield targets like Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are being quoted at £100m+, Gibbs-White could represent elite value at £60m. His price could drop even further if Forest fail to escape the relegation zone (currently just 2 points clear).
Why Gibbs-White fits the ‘Carrick/Vivell’ Blueprint:
- Versatility: Capable of playing as a No. 8, No. 10, or on either wing.
- Productivity: 8 goals and 5 assists this season in a struggling Forest side.
- Wages: Expected to fit into United’s new £150k-per-week salary structure, alongside Sesko and Mbeumo.
The Midfield Revamp: 2026 Targets
United’s hierarchy has identified the engine room as the final piece of the puzzle. The shortlist is narrowing down to four high-profile names:
| Target | Club | Est. Fee | Status |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | Nottm Forest | £60m | Top Priority / Versatile |
| Elliot Anderson | Nottm Forest | £100m | Rising Star |
| Adam Wharton | Crystal Palace | £100m+ | Elite Prospect |
| Carlos Baleba | Brighton | £100m | Powerhouse |
The Financial Balancing Act
INEOS is determined to avoid the “panic buys” of the past. By targeting Gibbs-White, United could secure a Premier League-proven international for nearly half the price of his competitors, allowing for further investment elsewhere in the squad.
As United prepare for the final stretch of the season under Michael Carrick, the prospect of reuniting Cunha and Gibbs-White at the Theatre of Dreams is becoming a very real possibility.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
