Man Utd transfer news: Cunha told he has the personality to thrive at Old Trafford
There’s something romantic about a player reinventing himself after a difficult chapter, and Matheus Cunha is writing a tale of revival with Wolves that has bigger clubs watching with growing admiration. One such club is Manchester United, who, according to multiple reports, have zeroed in on the Brazilian as a potential linchpin in their attacking rebuild.
Cunha’s story is not just about goals—it’s about grit, adaptability, and finally realising his potential in the English top flight. And if former Brazil international Julio Baptista is to be believed, this is only the beginning.
From La Liga doubts to Premier League breakout
The 25-year-old forward was once touted as a future star during his early days in Germany with Hertha Berlin and later at RB Leipzig, but things didn’t quite click for him at Atletico Madrid. His La Liga spell was marked by inconsistency, and he never quite earned the full trust of Diego Simeone.
But his move to Wolves in January 2023 has turned the tide. Since joining the Midlands club, Cunha has flourished under Gary O’Neil, not only becoming a regular starter but also one of the most dynamic attacking forces in the Premier League this season. With 14 goals in 28 league appearances so far, he’s quickly become the heartbeat of Wolves’ attack.
Baptista: Cunha can handle the pressure of Manchester United
Julio Baptista, a man who’s been around the block in Europe’s top leagues, is convinced Cunha has what it takes to thrive at a club of Manchester United’s stature. In an exclusive interview with FootItalia, Baptista didn’t hold back his admiration.
“Matheus Cunha is an incredible player,” he said. “Things didn’t work out at Atletico Madrid, but sometimes you need to go about things in a different way, take a different path. He’s doing incredible work, having a great season. If he moves to a big club now, he will show his full potential.”
When asked about Cunha potentially becoming the leader that United have sorely lacked in recent seasons, Baptista was equally bullish.
“I love his personality. Some players have been weighed down by the weight of the Manchester United shirt. I don’t think Cunha is one of those players. I think he would love to have the responsibility of being the main man at a giant club like Manchester United.”
United’s summer rebuild begins with the No.10 position
While Cunha has often played as a second striker or out wide, his intelligent movement, work rate, and ability to operate between the lines make him an ideal candidate for the No.10 role. That happens to be a key position United boss Ruben Amorim is keen to address this summer.
With a £62.5 million ($83m) release clause, Cunha won’t come cheap, but United see value in his age, experience, and current form. The catch? They’ll need to make room financially—and that means a major clear-out is likely on the cards.
Rashford, Sancho, and Casemiro among those set for the exit
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are preparing to offload several big names to fund their summer business. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Antony, and Rasmus Hojlund are all believed to be on the chopping block, with United potentially generating over £120 million ($160m) in sales.
For Cunha, this means not only a chance to step into a marquee role at one of the world’s biggest clubs but also the opportunity to be the centerpiece of a brand-new project under Amorim.
A crowded market: Spurs, Arsenal, and Newcastle also keen
United won’t have a clear path to Cunha’s signature. Several other Premier League clubs—Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa—have all reportedly registered interest in the Wolves frontman. His versatility and proven ability in the Premier League make him an attractive option for any side looking to sharpen their attack.
Yet it’s believed that despite penning a new deal with Wolves earlier this season, the club would be open to letting him go, especially given how admirably he stuck around in January amid reported offers to help them steer clear of relegation danger.
Victor Osimhen still on the radar—but cost is a concern
United are also keeping tabs on Victor Osimhen, who is currently enjoying a prolific season on loan at Galatasaray. But with Napoli demanding around €75 million (£64m/$86m), bringing in both Osimhen and Cunha would be financially ambitious—if not outright impossible—without significant departures.
Another name linked to Old Trafford is Liam Delap, the young striker shining for Ipswich Town, who has netted 12 league goals this season and has a £30m release clause. But for now, it appears that Cunha is Amorim’s preferred target for the playmaking role.
What happens next?
Manchester United’s matchday squad this weekend will have other things on their mind—namely their Premier League clash against Bournemouth—but behind the scenes, the gears are turning. As Old Trafford braces for yet another summer of upheaval, Matheus Cunha’s name will remain firmly in the headlines.
And if the words of Julio Baptista ring true, United may just find in Cunha the kind of character—and quality—they’ve lacked since their last title-winning days.
The main man at a giant club? Time will tell. But Cunha certainly looks ready for the spotlight.
