Manchester United’s New No.10? Matheus Cunha Set for £62.5m Switch to Old Trafford

Brazilian Star Expected to Join Red Devils Next Week After Wolves Season Finale

Manchester United look set to take a significant step forward in their squad rebuild this summer with the capture of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha. The Wolves striker has reportedly emerged as a top priority for the Red Devils, and the club are now said to be ready to activate his £62.5 million release clause.

Cunha, 25, has enjoyed a standout season at Molineux, scoring 17 goals in all competitions and impressing with his creativity, movement, and ability to link play—qualities United have sorely missed in the final third. If all goes to plan, the deal could be wrapped up as early as next week, with the player making the move to Manchester shortly after Wolves complete their Premier League campaign.

United Move Decisively After Lengthy Interest

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The Brazilian international has long been on United’s radar, having first caught the eye during his time at Hertha Berlin and then at Atletico Madrid. But it’s at Wolves where Matheus Cunha has truly hit his stride in the Premier League, showcasing the kind of consistency and end product that’s made him a highly sought-after talent.

According to reports, United have been in advanced discussions for much of the past week and are now poised to trigger his £62.5m release clause. The deal would represent a major statement of intent, especially with new manager Ruben Amorim looking to reshape the attack heading into the 2025–26 campaign.

Cunha’s versatility is expected to be a key asset—he can play as a central striker, a second forward, or in one of the two advanced roles behind the front man in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system. His skillset could prove the perfect complement to Bruno Fernandes, offering balance and support in a role United have struggled to fill effectively in recent seasons.

A Long-Awaited Answer to United’s No.10 Conundrum

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Finding a reliable and dynamic attacking partner for Fernandes has been a puzzle United have tried to solve for years. From Donny van de Beek’s underwhelming spell to false nine experiments and inconsistent form from wide players deployed centrally, there has been no consistent answer.

Cunha’s blend of technical ability, intelligence off the ball, and direct goal threat makes him an ideal candidate to fill that void. He is known for drifting between the lines, creating pockets of space, and linking up play—a profile United have lacked.

Crucially, he’s also shown he can do it in the Premier League. His 12 league goals and five assists this season have come in a Wolves side that, for large parts of the campaign, lacked fluency in attack. At Old Trafford, surrounded by higher-calibre talent, the ceiling could be much higher.

Wolves’ Boss Keeping Cards Close to Chest

While United appear to be moving quickly, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira remains tight-lipped about Matheus Cunha’s future. Speaking after their penultimate league match, Pereira said:

“I have the same information as you. I don’t know. I just know he’s my player. He’s committed with the team, he’s working with happiness, and we will see what happens. You must ask him. He is happy. I feel he is happy.”

There’s no sense of desperation from Wolves to offload their star forward, but with the release clause in place, their hands may be tied if United follow through. The club could find themselves with a significant chunk of money to reinvest, but replacing a player of Matheus Cunha’s quality and influence will be no small task.

Timing is Everything for United

For Manchester United, the timing of this deal is particularly significant. Their domestic season is effectively over in terms of objectives, with nothing left to play for in the Premier League. All eyes are now on the Europa League final, which takes place on Wednesday, May 21.

Winning that match would not only secure silverware but also guarantee European football next season—a crucial factor in attracting top-tier talent. A signing like Matheus Cunha sends a clear signal to both fans and potential recruits that the club means business this summer.

Even if the deal is finalised before the final in Dublin, it’s unlikely the player would be registered in time to feature. But symbolically, landing Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window would be a huge win for the club’s recruitment strategy.

A Key Piece of Amorim’s Puzzle

Ruben Amorim, still in the early stages of shaping this United side into his own image, will be eager to see Matheus Cunha walk through the door. The Portuguese coach, known for his tactical flexibility and high pressing system, thrives on dynamic, multi-functional forwards—and Cunha fits the bill.

With young striker Rasmus Højlund still developing, and questions lingering over the futures of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony, a signing like Matheus Cunha gives United another attacking pillar to build around.

Whether he’s used as a second striker, a roaming No.10, or even a false nine in fluid attacking systems, Matheus Cunha offers options that Amorim has so far lacked.

What’s Next for Matheus Cunha and United?

Barring any late complications, Matheus Cunha’s arrival could be confirmed as early as next week. From there, all eyes will be on how quickly he can integrate into a United squad in transition.

Pre-season will be crucial—not just for Matheus Cunha’s adaptation, but for Amorim to experiment with attacking combinations and get his system firing. The hope is that Matheus Cunha can hit the ground running and finally provide the missing link in a United front line that has lacked cohesion and consistency for years.

One thing is certain: if this move goes through, United will be getting a player entering the prime of his career, full of confidence, and eager to take the next step on a bigger stage.

Whether he wears the iconic No.10 shirt remains to be seen, but make no mistake—Matheus Cunha is being brought in to be a key figure in United’s rebuild. And if he lives up to his billing, this £62.5 million deal could end up looking like a bargain.