Manchester United have officially signed Brazilan international Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, securing the 26‑year‑old forward on a five‑year deal—with an option for an additional year through to June 2030.
Transfer Details & Contract
- Transfer fee: Manchester United triggered Cunha’s release clause, valued at £62.5 million ($84 million), payable in structured installments—marking a record sale for Wolves and surpassing their previous high of £53 million.
- Contract duration: Five years, with an optional extra season until 2031.
- Wage reports: Cunha is expected to earn around £150k–£200k per week, placing him among the club’s top earners.
Player Profile & Wolves Record
Cunha enjoyed a standout tenure at Wolves, recording 33 goals and 15 assists in 92 appearances across competitions, including 15 Premier League goals last season. He also made a decisive contribution to Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by assisting the solitary goal in their 1‑0 win over Paraguay.
His dynamic versatility—playing as a second‑striker, winger, or No. 10—has impressed across the Premier League and during spells in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.
Club Reaction & Managerial Vision
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, underlined Cunha’s proven Premier League pedigree and dynamic qualities:
“Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer… one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England.”
Cunha becomes Ruben Amorim’s inaugural signing, signalling a shift toward dynamic, attacking football after United’s worst league finish (15th) since 1992–93.
Player’s Words
Reflecting on joining his boyhood club, Cunha said:
“Ever since I was a child in Brazil … United was my favourite English team… I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.”
He now turns his full attention to pre‑season and contributing to United’s resurgence in the upcoming campaign .
Strategic Significance
- Rebuilding attack: United aim to strengthen their offensive options following the departure and uncertainty around several senior figures.
- Premier League experience: Cunha joins as a proven EPL performer, enhancing reliability and creativity.
- Squad transformation: His arrival is part of a broader rebuild, with further signings like Bryan Mbeumo expected amid significant squad overhaul.
Outlook & Next Steps
- Competition for No. 10 role: Cunha is poised to compete with existing forwards in internal rotation under Amorim’s evolving system.
- Pre‑season integration: He is expected to feature in United’s U.S. Summer Series, including a match against West Ham on July 26.
- Momentum building: The signing provides early positive momentum ahead of what promises to be a transformative summer window for Manchester United.
Conclusion
Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolves for £62.5 million marks a decisive move in Manchester United’s ongoing overhaul. With Premier League experience, attacking versatility, and childhood affinity to the club, Cunha embodies the new chapter under Ruben Amorim. His addition represents both a statement of intent and concrete step in rebuilding a competitive, dynamic squad.
