Manchester United have identified 25-year-old Matheus Cunha as their prime target to bolster an attack that has scored only 38 league goals this season.
Manchester United are moving swiftly to secure 25-year-old Matheus Cunha as a marquee arrival this summer, with contract and fee details emerging alongside firm assurances of the player’s willingness to join. Fotnet24.net reports that internal discussions between club executives and Wolves officials have gathered pace this week, signalling clear intent across all levels at Old Trafford.
After mustering only 38 Premier League goals this season—a tally surpassed by just five clubs—United face the real prospect of a first-ever bottom-half finish. That paltry return has intensified pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim to inject fresh attacking impetus, especially given Tottenham’s 61-goal haul. Fans and pundits alike recognise that goal output must rise sharply next term.
To address these shortcomings, Amorim plans to pursue two summer signings: a traditional number nine—Liam Delap remains the prime candidate—and a creative number ten to operate alongside Bruno Fernandes. Cunha’s versatility makes him the ideal contender for the latter role, capable of playing both support and central striking positions under the Portuguese coach’s 3-4-2-1 blueprint.
Cunha has enjoyed a breakout campaign, registering 20 direct goal contributions across 31 appearances for Wolves, often shouldering defensive and creative duties single-handedly. With a £62.5 million release clause embedded in his contract, United now appear poised to trigger the clause and secure his services on a long-term deal.
Transfer insiders indicate that negotiations have advanced rapidly, with all parties reportedly aligned on key terms and Champions League qualification not presenting a deal-breaker for the forward. Sources close to the discussions say Cunha is ready to accept United’s proposal, pending a final round of meetings to iron out contractual specifics.
Wolves have made it clear they will demand the full £62.5 million release fee, requiring United to meet that figure in one or more instalments. United officials aim to spread the cost over five years and are preparing to offer Cunha a five-year contract. Reports also suggest his weekly earnings could rise to £200,000—doubling his current salary at Molineux.
To fund the deal and Cunha’s reported wages, Manchester United plan to offload several high-earners, including Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Casemiro. Each departure would free up significant salary space and allow the Red Devils to balance the books ahead of a major rebuild.
All signs point to a swift resolution, with insiders forecasting that the Cunha transfer will conclude before the end of July rather than dragging into the busy deadline-day scramble. Such timing would give Amorim the opportunity to integrate his new signing early in pre-season preparations.
Tactically, Cunha offers genuine versatility. His heat map reveals a tendency to drift inside from the left flank, with roughly 7 percent of his touches registered in the opposition box. He has averaged more direct goal contributions per 90 minutes as a number ten than as a central striker. Yet he can also lead the line when required. That flexibility aligns perfectly with Amorim’s preferred formation and could prove decisive in United’s bid to rediscover their attacking flair.
Securing Cunha would represent United’s most significant attacking investment in recent memory, returning the club to the market with conviction. It would also underline the hierarchy’s willingness to back Amorim’s vision after a disappointing campaign. With pre-season training set to begin in early July, a confirmed signing would energize the squad and fanbase alike as United prepare to launch their challenge for silverware.
