Manchester United Lock In Matheus Cunha for £62.5m
Manchester United have wasted no time making a statement ahead of the new season: their first big move is to trigger Matheus Cunha’s hefty £62.5 million release clause from Wolves. Fabrizio Romano—who's usually spot-on with these scoops—says United will pay up in instalments rather than one massive sum. The paperwork side is nearly done, and the transfer is expected to go through next week.
Cunha has been on the radar of several big clubs, but United have managed to outmaneuver the rest—and their ambitions don’t depend on clinching a Champions League spot. The 25-year-old Brazilian has already shaken hands on personal terms with the club. For fans worried this is just another transfer saga, sources say Cunha is coming in summer, no matter how the season ends.
Versatility at the Heart of United’s Summer Overhaul
So where will he slot in? Ruben Amorim, United’s new boss, wants to fit Cunha in as a No. 10 in his favored 3-4-2-1 setup. But that might just be the start. United are also browsing the market for a second creative attacking midfielder, which could see them playing with a dynamic duo behind the main striker. Technical director Jason Wilcox and manager Amorim are reportedly clashing on whether they even need to buy a pure striker, but Cunha’s ability to move out wide or drop in as a secondary forward is basically the glue in these plans.
If you’ve watched Wolves this past season, you’ll have noticed Cunha isn’t a one-trick pony. Under Gary O'Neil, he played as an out-and-out striker—not his favorite spot—but he didn't sulk. He adapted, improved, and delivered. His strength is picking the ball up deep, taking on defenders, and threading passes others wouldn't even try. He’s also happy to tumble out wide or turn up in the penalty box out of nowhere. Nelson Semedo, his Wolves teammate, called him an ‘emotional maverick’—someone who brings unpredictability and flair rather than following a set playbook.
The numbers back it up. At Wolves, Cunha has been their liveliest threat, both carrying the ball and finishing attacks. He’s not obsessed with being the classic frontman, more the player who unsettles defenders with sharp movement and cheeky runs off the shoulder. The stats for take-ons, progressive carries, and key passes tell the story of a player United have urgently lacked since the days of early Bruno Fernandes and prime Jesse Lingard.
For Manchester United, this isn’t just a flashy signing. With Old Trafford desperate to close the gap to the top, Amorim is reshuffling the squad to bring more ideas and energy to the attack. Cunha’s versatility allows United to get creative with their shape and adapt mid-game—something they’ve too often lacked. If the club also lands their next target for the attacking line, this could be the start of a new, more unpredictable United side.
