Red Devils Eyeing Cunha as Key Piece in Their Summer Rebuild
With a major squad overhaul expected at Manchester United this summer, the club’s recruitment team is hard at work trying to secure one of their top attacking targets: Wolverhampton Wanderers’ versatile forward Matheus Cunha.
Manchester United are known to be chasing firepower to bolster their frontline, and Cunha — who has quietly put together an impressive campaign at Molineux — has emerged as one of the most appealing options on the market. Sources indicate that talks over personal terms are well underway, as Manchester United look to finalise an agreement before the window officially opens.
It’s an ambitious move, and one that won’t come cheap. Cunha’s contract reportedly includes a £62.5 million release clause, and Wolves are keen to stick to that figure. But with several high-profile player sales potentially freeing up funds, Manchester United remain optimistic.
Cunha’s Star is on the Rise
To say that Matheus Cunha has shone in a struggling Wolves side would be an understatement. The Brazilian has netted 14 goals and laid on four assists in just 28 appearances this season, a tally that looks even more impressive when you consider the often disjointed nature of Gary O’Neil’s side.
He’s not just a scorer, either. Cunha’s intelligence in linking play, drifting between lines, and driving at defenders has been a key factor in Wolves’ attacking phases. The 25-year-old has operated in various roles — from central striker to attacking midfield — but has arguably looked most dangerous playing in the inside-left channel in a 3-4-2-1 system.
That, of course, is not lost on Manchester United’s newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim, who is believed to be a major admirer of Cunha’s flexibility and flair. The tactical similarities between Amorim’s Sporting setup and Cunha’s current role at Wolves only strengthen the case for a move.
Amorim’s Influence on Manchester United’s Transfer Strategy
Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford has already begun to shape the club’s approach to recruitment. The Portuguese tactician prefers a system built on pressing, positional rotation, and pace in transition — all elements Cunha naturally thrives in.
The Mail has reported that Amorim views Cunha as more than just a forward — he sees him as a “connector,” someone who can bridge midfield and attack while also chipping in with goals. His willingness to press high, track back, and work in tight spaces makes him tailor-made for the manager’s vision.
Manchester United insiders suggest that Amorim has already spoken highly of Cunha during internal meetings, pushing for the deal to be prioritised.
The Numbers Game: Can Manchester United Afford Him?
Here’s where things get a little more complicated. Wolves are standing firm on their valuation, and it’s believed they’ll only entertain offers that either match the £62.5 million clause or very closely approximate it — possibly in instalments.
Manchester United are not currently in a position to splash freely, not without first selling. The club’s financial strategy for this summer hinges on outgoings, and they’re hopeful of raising significant funds from the potential exits of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, all of whom have uncertain futures.
Between them, Manchester United believe they could raise in excess of £100 million — more than enough to fund the Cunha deal and still have breathing room for other targets.
Liam Delap, Goalkeepers and More: Amorim’s Wishlist Grows
Cunha isn’t the only name on Amorim’s radar. Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has also emerged as a serious option, thanks in part to a £30 million relegation release clause that makes him an attractive prospect.
Despite being just 21, Delap has shown flashes of maturity and technical ability beyond his years, and Amorim is understood to value his physical profile and potential as a rotational or developmental forward.
A new goalkeeper is also high on the agenda, with questions surrounding the long-term suitability of both André Onana and his backup options. Amorim is said to favour a shot-stopper who is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is between the posts — a profile not unlike Diogo Costa, whom Amorim worked with at Sporting.
Champions League the Key to Full Transfer War Chest
The wildcard in all this? European qualification. Manchester United currently sit outside of the Premier League’s top four and will not make the cut through league position alone. That puts added pressure on their Europa League campaign, where they are set to face Athletic Club in the semi-finals.
Winning the tournament not only adds silverware to Amorim’s debut season but also guarantees a spot in next season’s Champions League — and with it, a financial windfall worth over £80 million.
That money could be decisive in making these big-money targets a reality. Without it, Manchester United may be forced to prioritise lower-cost alternatives or risk losing out in bidding wars.
Arsenal and Newcastle Lurking
Of course, Manchester United aren’t the only ones monitoring Cunha. Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the forward and see him as an ideal rotational option to take pressure off Gabriel Jesus. Newcastle United, meanwhile, have entered the race and are reportedly willing to meet Wolves’ demands, with sporting director Dan Ashworth a known admirer of Cunha since his Hertha Berlin days.
Cunha is said to be weighing his options carefully, with playing time and tactical fit both major considerations. His camp has remained tight-lipped, though there is growing confidence from Manchester United’s end that he would be open to a leading role at Old Trafford.
The Bigger Picture for Manchester United
There’s a sense around Carrington that this summer could be a turning point. A new coach, a reshuffled squad, and a renewed focus on tactical coherence could finally steer the club away from the boom-bust cycles of recent years.
Cunha isn’t just a flashy signing — he represents a change in philosophy. A player scouted not solely for his name value, but for what he offers tactically, physically, and psychologically. If this deal goes through, it could signal the dawn of a smarter, more cohesive Manchester United.
But first, the club needs to finish the season strong — and hope that a Europa League trophy can open more doors than just one to the Champions League.
