Bruno Fernandes enjoyed a record-breaking 2025/26 campaign for Manchester United, establishing himself as one of the most important players in the Premier League. The Portuguese midfielder broke Thierry Henry's all-time Premier League assist record, finishing the season with a remarkable 21 assists. He effectively carried United throughout the campaign, with the entire team built around his creativity and attacking output.
That dominance was also reflected in Fantasy Premier League. Fernandes finished the 2025/26 FPL season with 235 points, the second-highest total in the game, with only Erling Haaland scoring more.
However, there is a major catch for FPL 2026/27 managers. Fernandes achieved those numbers while being priced at just £9.0m. His new £12.0m price tag represents a massive £3m increase, making him a considerably more expensive proposition. His age is another consideration, with Fernandes set to turn 32 in a month, while Manchester United will also have regular Champions League fixtures to contend with.
So, if you don't want to spend £12.0m on Fernandes, who is the best Manchester United attacker to pick instead?
Mbeumo vs Cunha: Who Is the Better FPL Pick?
After Fernandes, United's two best FPL scorers last season were Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Mbeumo finished with 148 FPL points, while Cunha recorded 143 points. On the surface, the five-point difference isn't particularly significant, but there are some interesting factors that make Mbeumo the more attractive option for 2026/27.
Mbeumo scored 11 goals and provided three assists last season, compared with Cunha's 10 goals and two assists.
What makes Mbeumo's numbers particularly impressive is that his season was almost completely split in two. He started strongly before suffering a significant dip in form during the second half of United's campaign. Despite being almost anonymous for large periods, he still finished ahead of Cunha in FPL points and produced more direct goal contributions.
That could be an important indicator of his FPL potential going forward.
Mbeumo Has the Better Goal-Scoring Ceiling
If we look at both players at their absolute best in the Premier League, Mbeumo once again has the advantage from a direct attacking-output perspective.
Cunha's best Premier League season came in his final campaign with Wolves, when he recorded 15 goals and six assists. Those are excellent numbers and demonstrate just how dangerous the Brazilian can be when everything clicks.
However, Mbeumo's final season at Brentford was even more productive. The Cameroonian scored 20 goals and provided eight assists, producing 28 direct goal contributions.
That suggests Mbeumo has the higher ceiling when it comes purely to goals and assists. While Cunha may potentially have the greater influence in open play, FPL managers ultimately care about one thing: points.
And Mbeumo's previous numbers suggest he can be extremely effective in that regard.
Cunha Has the Form Advantage
Despite Mbeumo's superior numbers at his peak, it would be unfair to ignore Cunha's biggest advantage: recent form.
Across the entirety of last season, Cunha was simply the more consistent and influential attacking player. His performances in open play were often more noticeable, and he appeared to have a greater impact on United's attacking structure.
Mbeumo, meanwhile, endured that huge second-half dip in form.
That does create some uncertainty heading into the new campaign. FPL managers aren't simply buying historical numbers; they are betting on what a player will do next.
However, another factor could swing the decision back towards Mbeumo.
Could Mbeumo Play as a Striker?
During Manchester United's pre-season games, Michael Carrick has experimented with Mbeumo as a striker. This could be a huge development from an FPL perspective.
If Mbeumo continues playing centrally in the Premier League, his goal threat could increase significantly. Being closer to goal and potentially receiving more opportunities inside the box could turn him into an even more attractive FPL asset.
This is particularly relevant with Benjamin Sesko dealing with injury issues. If Mbeumo gets an extended run as the central attacker, his potential could increase considerably.
Cunha, meanwhile, could continue operating in a role where his influence is more focused on creating and progressing attacks rather than simply finishing them.
Verdict: Mbeumo Is the Best Alternative to Bruno
Based on all the factors, Bryan Mbeumo looks like the better Manchester United attacker to pick over Matheus Cunha in FPL 2026/27.
Cunha may end up having the greater impact during open play and could arguably be the more influential footballer for United. However, FPL is a points-based game, and Mbeumo has already demonstrated a superior ceiling for direct goal contributions.
The fact that he outscored Cunha despite his huge dip in form last season is particularly encouraging. His previous 20-goal, eight-assist Premier League campaign with Brentford also shows the attacking potential he possesses.
With both players priced at the same level, Mbeumo gets the edge.
If you're avoiding Bruno Fernandes at £12.0m and want a cheaper Manchester United attacker, Bryan Mbeumo should be your first choice over Matheus Cunha.
Also Read | Best Manchester United FPL 2026-27 Picks
