Manchester United have finalized personal terms with Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, planning to activate his £62.5m release clause, with the transfer expected to be completed next week
Manchester United are on the verge of making their first major signing of the summer as they finalize a deal to bring Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Brazilian, who has emerged as a standout star in the Premier League over the past season.
According to multiple sources close to the negotiation table, United are preparing to activate the £62.5 million release clause in Cunha’s contract, paving the way for a swift and decisive conclusion to the transfer saga. Barring any late hiccups, the move is expected to be completed by the end of next week.
This transfer marks a bold statement from new manager Ruben Amorim, who is eager to reshape the squad after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw United finish outside the top four and score a meager 42 league goals. Bringing in a proven Premier League attacker like Cunha is viewed as a crucial first step in Amorim’s ambitious rebuild.
Cunha, 25, has been one of Wolves’ most consistent performers since arriving at Molineux. Known for his electric pace, technical flair, and goal-scoring instincts, he registered double digits in goals and assists last season, even while playing in a side that struggled for consistency.
What makes Cunha such an attractive prospect for Manchester United is his versatility. He is capable of playing as a central striker, a second forward, or even out wide when needed. This flexibility aligns perfectly with Amorim’s tactical philosophy, which emphasizes positional interchange and high-pressing intensity.
The Brazilian’s adaptability is also expected to complement United’s emerging talents, especially Rasmus Højlund, who despite flashes of brilliance, often found himself isolated or overburdened in the final third. With Cunha in the mix, the attacking burden could be more evenly shared.
Reports indicate that Cunha is enthusiastic about the move and views Manchester United as a natural step forward in his career. A switch to Old Trafford offers him the chance to compete at the highest level of European football, and potentially, on the Champions League stage in the near future.
However, financial hurdles remain in the background. United continue to operate under strict Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and this big-money move may force the club to offload several high-earning stars to balance the books.
Among those expected to leave are Marcus Rashford—currently on loan at Aston Villa—and Antony, who has impressed on loan at Real Betis. Their departures could free up crucial wage space and provide the funds necessary to proceed with multiple signings this summer.
Despite the hefty fee attached to Cunha, the United hierarchy reportedly views the transfer as a sound investment. The club believes that his age, skill set, and experience in England make him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition who could lead the line for years to come.
Fan reactions have been largely positive, with many taking to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement. Some have already begun speculating on potential lineups featuring Cunha, Højlund, and Alejandro Garnacho in a re-energized attack.
Amorim’s influence in this transfer cannot be overstated. The Portuguese tactician has been given significant control over recruitment decisions, and Cunha is believed to be a player he personally identified as key to executing his vision at Old Trafford.
As part of his plan to introduce a more fluid and aggressive brand of football, Amorim is prioritizing players with the energy and technical ability to press high and transition quickly. Cunha fits that mold perfectly and could become a central figure in Amorim’s Manchester United revolution.
Meanwhile, the competition for Cunha’s signature was reportedly fierce. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid were both monitoring the Brazilian’s situation, but United’s swift agreement on personal terms and willingness to pay the release clause gave them the edge.
This deal could also have a ripple effect on the rest of United’s transfer strategy. With Cunha’s deal nearly done, the club is expected to shift focus toward strengthening the midfield and defense, where gaps still remain.
In a summer that promises change and renewed ambition, the signing of Matheus Cunha sends a clear message: Manchester United are not just rebuilding—they’re preparing to compete again. And for supporters hungry for success, this could be the first glimmer of hope in what has been a long, frustrating wait.
As the final details are ironed out, attention now turns to medicals, image rights, and the official unveiling. If all goes according to plan, Matheus Cunha could be wearing the famous red shirt before United’s pre-season tour kicks off in July.
One thing is certain: a new era is beginning at Old Trafford. And with Cunha leading the line, fans may finally have reason to believe in Manchester United’s future once again.
This report on **Matheus Cunha’s imminent transfer to Manchester United** highlights a pivotal moment for the club and signals the start of a new chapter under **Ruben Amorim**. Here’s a breakdown of the significance and strategic implications:
—
### ✅ **Why Matheus Cunha Makes Sense for United**
* **Premier League Proven**: 25 years old, Cunha has adapted well to English football and was a standout performer at Wolves, recording double figures in both goals and assists last season.
* **Versatility**: Can play as a central striker, second striker, or wide forward—crucial for Amorim’s fluid front line.
* **Tactical Fit**: His pressing ability, pace, and technical quality align well with Amorim’s **high-intensity, positional-rotation system**.
* **Compliment to Højlund**: Instead of replacing Højlund, Cunha could **relieve the creative and physical burden** placed on the Dane, enabling more dynamic interplay and less predictability in attack.
—
### 💰 **Financial Context and PSR Pressure**
* The **£62.5m release clause** is substantial and means United must be creative to remain PSR-compliant.
* This adds pressure to **offload high-wage players** like:
* **Antony** (linked with Real Betis)
* **Marcus Rashford** (on loan at Villa, potential permanent exit looming)
* Possibly **Casemiro** and **Sancho**, both attracting interest from Saudi clubs and elsewhere.
—
### 🧠 **Amorim’s Influence**
* Cunha’s signing would be the first major stamp of Amorim’s identity on the squad.
* Amorim’s track record at Sporting CP with developing high-energy, technically sound attackers (e.g., Pedro Gonçalves, Marcus Edwards) shows that he values **fluidity, intensity, and adaptability**—all traits Cunha possesses.
* United giving Amorim control over recruitment signals a deeper cultural shift under **INEOS and Dan Ashworth**, prioritizing alignment between playing style and recruitment.
—
### 🌍 **Beating the Competition**
* The fact that **Arsenal and Atletico Madrid** were also monitoring Cunha shows his growing stature.
* United’s willingness to trigger the clause and act quickly could be a **signal of renewed ambition**, particularly after years of transfer dithering.
—
### ⚽️ **Potential Attack Lineup**
If all goes to plan, United could field a **revitalized front three** of:
* 🇧🇷 Matheus Cunha (false 9 / second striker)
* 🇩🇰 Rasmus Højlund (striker)
* 🇦🇷 Alejandro Garnacho (winger)
With **Bruno Fernandes** in support and Amorim’s 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup, the attack could be **mobile, pressing-oriented, and unpredictable**—a far cry from last season’s static forward play.
—
### 🏥 **Next Steps**
* **Medicals**, **image rights**, and **official media commitments** are expected soon.
* A formal unveiling could occur **before United’s pre-season tour kicks off in July**.
—
### 🔮 What Comes Next for United?
Once Cunha is secured, United are expected to:
1. Target a **midfield partner** for Kobbie Mainoo – Joao Neves, Manuel Ugarte, or Amadou Onana are names in the mix.
2. Solidify central defense – interest remains in **Matthijs de Ligt**, **Leny Yoro**, and **Jarrad Branthwaite**.
—
### 🔴 Final Thought
Matheus Cunha’s potential arrival isn’t just about numbers—it’s a **statement of intent**. It reflects:
* A new era of **footballing structure and discipline**
* A manager with a defined style
* A squad being built with **identity and synergy** in mind
If executed well, this could be the beginning of a **genuine rebuild—not just a rebrand**.
Would you like projected lineups or deeper tactical analysis on how Cunha fits into Amorim’s system at United?
