TERMS AGREED: Player snubs Arsenal’s transfer, agree to join Manchester United despite Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur yesterday
Manchester United are still expected to complete a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha despite the Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness Podcast.
The Red Devils missed their chance to qualify for the Champions League on Wednesday night as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spurs, who ended their 17-year wait for a trophy.
While it was a bitter pill for both fans and players, Romano suggested that the Europa League final was never going to impact Cunha’s decision on whether he would join the club.
United are expected to pay the Brazilian forward’s £62.5m release clause in installments and are believed to be in advanced negotiations to seal the move.
Matheus Cunha Expected to Sign for Man Utd
Even without Champions League football.
Romano, speaking on the GIVEMESPORT Market Madness Podcast before the Europa League final, revealed that United are prepared to trigger Cunha’s release clause, and the Brazilian wants the move regardless of Champions League football.
United already told Matheus Cunha that they are prepared to trigger the clause, so there will be no issues. And so I think it’s going to be the first signing of the summer for United. And it’s important to say that the player wanted this move, regardless of Champions League football or not, regardless of what happens in the Europa League final. Cunha wants to play for Manchester United, and my understanding is that he will play for Manchester United.”
Man United are going to pursue another forward after sealing a deal for Cunha, with a new out-and-out striker also on Ruben Amorim’s agenda.
However, they are now unlikely to land Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, who wants to join a Champions League club this summer, and United will not play in Europe next season for the first time since 2014/15.
Ipswich Town sensation Liam Delap has been identified as a cheaper alternative to Gyokeres, although the Red Devils face competition from Chelsea and Newcastle, who both could have continental football to offer next term.
Manchester United’s transfer plans are pushing forward despite the Europa League final defeat—and **Matheus Cunha** is now firmly expected to become **Ruben Amorim’s first signing** of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
### **Key Takeaways:**
#### **Matheus Cunha to Man Utd – Deal Details:**
* **Current Club**: Wolverhampton Wanderers
* **Position**: Forward (versatile, plays across the front line)
* **Fee**: £62.5 million release clause (to be paid in **installments**)
* **Status**: *Advanced negotiations*, deal close to completion
* **Champions League Impact**: **Irrelevant** — Cunha wants the move regardless of European qualification
Romano confirmed:
> *“Cunha wants to play for Manchester United, and my understanding is that he will play for Manchester United.”*
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### **United’s Striker Search Continues:**
Despite Cunha’s arrival, Amorim wants an **additional out-and-out No. 9**.
#### **Targets & Setbacks:**
* **Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon)**:
* **Ruled out** – Only wants a move to a Champions League club
* A blow, given Amorim’s past link with him at Sporting
* **Liam Delap (Ipswich Town / Manchester City loanee)**:
* **Alternative target** – Young, affordable, and fits a long-term profile
* **Competition** – Faces interest from **Chelsea** and **Newcastle**, who might offer European football
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### **Squad Impact and Outlook:**
With Cunha’s expected arrival:
* United gain a **press-resistant, mobile, and technically gifted** attacker who can operate in various roles in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 system.
* He could either partner a traditional No. 9 (if signed) or rotate as a false nine or second striker.
* His versatility gives United **flexibility**, especially with uncertain futures for Hojlund, Martial (outgoing), and Zirkzee’s status unclear.
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Would you like a tactical breakdown of how **Cunha** fits Amorim’s system at United, or a comparison between Cunha and other Premier League forwards?
