Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing a major summer signing, with sources revealing that the club is closing in on a deal to bring Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford. According to Opitanglobamedia Football, negotiations are progressing swiftly and are described as “nearing the final stages.”
The 25-year-old Brazilian, who joined Wolves from Atlético Madrid, has a £62.5 million ($83.5 million) release clause in his contract, which Manchester United are prepared to activate. Club insiders remain focused on Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, but the groundwork for Cunha’s arrival is believed to be well underway behind the scenes. Cunha is said to be open to the move regardless of whether United qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Amorim’s Approval and Tactical Fit
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who is preparing for his first transfer window in charge, is reportedly a major driving force behind the push to sign Cunha. Amorim has earmarked the Brazilian as a key addition to his preferred 3-4-3 tactical system, identifying him as an ideal fit for one of the No.10 roles behind the main striker.
Cunha’s dynamic playing style, vision, and versatility make him an attractive option for Amorim, who is looking to reshape Manchester United’s attack with players that offer technical creativity and pressing ability. Having previously impressed at Atlético Madrid and now at Wolves, Cunha is seen as a forward capable of operating both centrally and on the flanks—an asset in Amorim’s fluid attacking scheme.
No Champions League for Manchester United, No Problem for Cunha
One of the notable aspects of this developing transfer saga is Cunha’s reported willingness to join Manchester United even if the club fails to secure Champions League football for the 2025/26 season. Manchester United’s hopes hinge on their performance in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday, where a win against Spurs would secure them a return to Europe’s elite competition.
However, sources close to the negotiations suggest that Cunha is motivated by the project at Old Trafford and is ready to commit to Amorim’s long-term vision. The attacker is said to be excited by the prospect of playing under Amorim and sees Manchester United as the ideal platform to elevate his career to the next level.
Other Targets Considered but Cunha Takes Priority
While Cunha is now the primary focus, Manchester United’s recruitment team has also drawn up a shortlist of alternative attacking options. Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford were both monitored as potential signings earlier in the window. However, the club has decided to move forward with Cunha as the most suitable option for their attacking rebuild.
The pursuit of Cunha also fits into the club’s strategy of signing players with a blend of Premier League experience and international pedigree. With both Eze and Mbeumo seen as more difficult or expensive to acquire without a clear tactical role, the decision to prioritize Cunha was taken after extensive internal discussions.
Wages, Structure and Final Formalities
Manchester United are reportedly confident there will be no significant hurdles to finalizing the deal. Cunha is expected to agree to terms that align with the club’s newly revamped salary structure, introduced to reduce the overall wage bill and avoid past financial inefficiencies. The Brazilian’s representatives are believed to be in early-stage talks over personal terms, with optimism from both camps.
With financial arrangements, tactical integration, and player willingness aligning, all signs point toward Cunha becoming one of Manchester United’s marquee signings this summer. Should the Europa League final go in their favor, his arrival could mark the beginning of a promising new era under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
