New Delhi: Manchester United are on the brink of making one of the biggest transfer swoops of the summer by signing Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The Red Devils have wasted no time in taking the first step towards the long road to recovery following a horror season, which saw them finish 15th – their worst finish in the Premier League era.
After months of speculations surrounding the Cunha move, United triggered the £ 62.5 million ($83.7m) release clause and recieved the green light to sign the Brazilian.
Now, Wolves have given the all clear to Matheus Cunha to undergo a medical at United ahead of the blockbuster summer transfer.
After rejecting United’s offer to make the payment over five years, Wolves agrred to recieve the transfer fee across instalments, which will be divided in three parts – first lump sum amount at the time of signing and a next two equal shares over the next two years.
The deal is set to be concluded when the transfer window opens on June 1.
Bringing Cunha to Old Trafford has been the top priority for head coach Ruben Amorim and the United hierarchy, which has beaten some top clubs to acquire the services of the Brazilian by acting fast and decisively.
Following his arrival from Atletico Madrid in a loan signing in December 2022, Cunha signed a new contract at Wolves on deadline day in February and made his move permanent.
United are banking on the sale of loanees Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia to cross the hurdle of Premier League and UEFA financial regulations.
Cunha’s impressive goal-scoring record at Wolves
Despite missing six matches due to suspension across various stages of the season, Cunha scored 17 goals and six assists in 34 matches across all competitions. In what was the most prolific scoring season of his career, Cunha also equalled the record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian player in a Premier League season, along with Roberto Firmino (2017/18) and Gabriel Martinelli (2022/23).
With 15 league goals this season, Cunha is miles ahead of United’s highest goal-scorer, Bruno Fernandes (8), in the 2024/25 campaign. The attacking pair of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee have contributed four and three goals respectively.
These stats are just a small example of Cunha’s ability to penetrate defences, a trait United lacks with the current set of players.
So, how will Cunha solve this problem?
Only four teams in the 20-team league scored more goals than United’s 44 this season. Before putting two in the net on the final matchday against Aston Villa, United went an astonishing 270 minutes of football without a goal, following a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham, a 1-0 loss at Chelsea, and a 1-0 loss against Spurs in the Europa League.
United, currently, doesn’t have the ingredients to make a winning recipe in a football game – GOALS.
The transition from defence to midfield to forward line is too slow and predictable, and even when players get behind the line, the lack of predatory instinct in the strikers and the inability to finish clear-cut chances have made United a team of near-misses.
Cunha can single-handedly solve this issue.
How Cunha can solve Man Utd’s attacking woes
Despite not playing as an out-and-out striker, Cunha’s return of 15 Premier League goals is an example of his ability to find the net. The Brazilian’s prolific display is one of the main reasons Wolves staved off relegation.
Operating as a left-sided No. 10, Cunha’s intelligence and ability to find a little extra space and willingness to receive the ball can solve the issues of ball-carrying and splitting the defences into half.
In terms of creating open-play chances, Cunha is right up there with Bruno Fernandes, having registered 51 attempts on target in all competitions – the same number as the Portuguese managed. Additionally, no Wolves player has created more open-play chances or generated a higher expected assists tally. Cunha can play both roles – creating chances and finishing the moves – effectively.
His deft touches enable him to drive his team forward single-handedly with his close control.
United desperately need a player to stitch their attack together and link the midfield and attacking line and Cunha fits the bill perfectly.
Moreover, Cunha is used to playing in a 3-4-2-1 system behind the striker and offers versatility, creativity, and finishing ability, all traits of a top-class forward elite forward.
Manchester United are on the verge of signing Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Cunha’s prolific goal-scoring record (17 goals, 6 assists in 34 matches) and his ability to create chances make him a valuable asset to a United side struggling for goals. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
