Manchester United are on the verge of making one of their boldest moves in recent transfer windows—launching a £62.5 million raid for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward, who has lit up the Premier League this season with his electric performances, is now at the center of a transfer storm that could reshape United’s front line and deliver manager Ruben Amorim a tailor-made attacking talent.
Cunha’s potential move to Old Trafford is gathering pace, with United ready to trigger his release clause in the coming weeks. The Red Devils have long admired the 24-year-old’s versatility—capable of playing across the front three—and his blend of pace, aggression, and finesse in tight spaces. His stats speak for themselves: 14 goals and 4 assists in 25 league starts for Wolves this season, despite the club not being among the division's elite in possession or goal-scoring opportunities.
Interestingly, Cunha had only just signed a permanent deal with Wolves in the summer of 2023, having initially joined on loan from Atlético Madrid. His impact was immediate and transformative, prompting Wolves to activate the purchase clause ahead of time. At the start of the 2024/25 season, the Brazilian even agreed to extend his stay by signing a long-term contract, citing his belief in the club’s project and his love for the fanbase.
So what changed?
Sources close to the player suggest Cunha’s affection for Wolves remains deep, but the opportunity to join a global giant like Manchester United—and play under Ruben Amorim—is simply too significant to ignore. Amorim, who previously faced Cunha’s teams in European competitions, reportedly spoke directly to the player after United’s recent fixture with Wolves. That conversation is believed to have sparked Cunha’s interest and marked a turning point in his thinking.
The project at Manchester United, spearheaded by Amorim and shaped by a new footballing philosophy that prizes high-intensity pressing and technical flair, is an attractive proposition for any attacker. United see Cunha not only as a scorer but as a creator—a player who can link play, draw defenders, and free up space for teammates like Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
United’s approach to the deal is also financially calculated. With Cunha’s release clause at £62.5 million, the club knows it needs to make room on the wage bill. Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is seen as a likely departure, potentially bringing in around £40 million and freeing up over £300,000 per week in wages. This would pave the way for Cunha’s expected wage packet of around £180,000 a week—far below United’s top earners, but a statement of intent nonetheless.
Cunha himself is known to be ambitious. While Wolves offered stability and the affection of fans who adore his tenacity and flair, United offer him Champions League ambition, a global stage, and the chance to become the face of an evolving project. He is also understood to be excited by the chance to play with a higher caliber of attacking talent and to test himself in the cauldron of Old Trafford under the pressure of silverware expectations.
The only obstacle that remains is formalizing personal terms. Reports indicate that negotiations are progressing well, with Cunha eager to ensure the move reflects his value without disrupting United’s wage structure—a sign of his maturity and team-first mindset.
Should the deal go through, Cunha would become one of the most expensive signings in Manchester United’s recent history—but if his current trajectory continues, he could also be one of the most impactful. He has the hunger, the flair, and the experience to thrive on the big stage, and United fans may soon have a new No.10 to chant about.
In the end, while Wolves may be losing a star, the Premier League won’t. Matheus Cunha’s next chapter looks set to unfold at Old Trafford, where a new era could be dawning—with a Brazilian spark lighting the way.
