Manchester United are actively exploring the possibility of signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers as part of their summer rebuild, a source has told Opitanglobamedia Football. The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season and have identified the Brazilian forward as one of their top transfer targets.
Matheus Cunha, 25, has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs following an impressive campaign with Wolves. However, sources close to the negotiations suggest United are optimistic about their chances, having received positive signals regarding Matheus Cunha’s openness to a move to Old Trafford if formal talks are allowed to proceed.
Release Clause Set at £62.5 Million Amid Heavy Competition
United will need to trigger Matheus Cunha’s release clause, which is set at £62.5 million ($83.6 million), to secure his services. While the price tag is steep, the club’s hierarchy views Matheus Cunha as a strategic investment who can add depth and dynamism to their attack. United’s interest comes amid stiff competition, with several other Premier League sides monitoring the situation closely.
Despite recently signing a new contract with Wolves in February, Matheus Cunha did so under a gentleman’s agreement that he would be allowed to leave should significant offers arise. With Wolves having secured their Premier League status after a hard-fought 1-0 win over United at Old Trafford on Sunday, the focus now shifts to player movements, and Matheus Cunha appears primed for a summer exit.
Tactical Fit: Cunha’s Versatility Appeals to United
One of the key reasons Manchester United are pursuing Matheus Cunha is his tactical adaptability. A source told Opitanglobamedia Football that United manager Ruben Amorin is particularly impressed with Cunha’s effectiveness in a 3-4-3 system — the same formation favored by Wolverhampton head coach Ruben Amorim.
At United, Matheus Cunha is seen as an ideal fit for one of the two No.10 roles supporting the central striker, providing creativity, energy, and goal-scoring threat. Since arriving in England from Atlético Madrid — initially on loan in January 2023 — Matheus Cunha has netted 32 Premier League goals, including an impressive 16 this past season, underlining his consistency and ability to thrive in the English top flight.
Matheus Cunha’s Departure Almost Certain as Wolves Plan Rebuild
Behind the scenes, it is understood that Matheus Cunha expects to leave Molineux before the start of the next campaign. Wolves’ head coach Ruben Amorim, who had a lengthy conversation with the Brazilian after the final whistle at Old Trafford, has already hinted that key players could depart as part of the club’s broader plans to restructure their squad.
The Wolves hierarchy is unlikely to block Cunha’s departure if his release clause is met, given the prior understanding established during his contract renewal. For Wolves, the £62.5 million inflow would significantly boost their transfer budget as they seek to refresh the squad and maintain their Premier League competitiveness.
United’s Broader Summer Transfer Strategy
In addition to targeting Matheus Cunha, Manchester United are also pursuing options to bolster their attack with a new centre forward. Promising young striker Liam Delap and Napoli’s prolific hitman Victor Osimhen are among the names under consideration as United seek to address last season’s goal-scoring inconsistencies.
The club’s transfer approach signals a clear intent to provide manager Vitor Pereira with versatile and potent attacking weapons. With Matheus Cunha’s proven Premier League experience and tactical fit, United believe the Brazilian could be a crucial piece in their puzzle as they aim to challenge for major honors next season.
