Matheus Cunha to Manchester United: Why This Summer Saga Could Shape Both Clubs’ Futures
Manchester United’s pursuit of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is fast becoming one of the most significant transfer stories heading into the 2025 summer window. In a season where both clubs have had their share of highs and lows, the potential move could reshape Wolves’ attacking setup and give Erik ten Hag a game-changing new tool at Old Trafford.
Cunha is a player who, despite some polarising moments, has grown into one of the Premier League’s more unpredictable and dangerous forwards. Now, with Manchester United reportedly in pole position and Wolves reluctantly preparing for life after him, there’s much to unpack — from finances to footballing philosophy, and even the emotional pull of wearing the red of United.
Cunha’s Release Clause: A Blessing or a Bargain?
Earlier this year, Matheus Cunha put pen to paper on a new deal at Wolves — a move that was seen by many as a show of commitment from both player and club. However, what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the contract itself, but the relatively modest £62.5 million release clause embedded within it.
In the current transfer market, where elite forwards routinely command fees north of £80 million, some pundits questioned whether Wolves had undervalued a player of Cunha’s rising status. But it’s now understood that the clause was a strategic decision — potentially the only way to persuade Cunha to stay and see out the 2024/25 season amid growing interest from clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
The decision appears to have been a calculated risk: Wolves got one more full season from a key player, while Cunha retained the right to leave for a fixed fee in the summer.
Manchester United Leading the Charge
Fast forward to April 2025, and Manchester United are now said to be leading the race. Sources close to the situation claim that United have already begun discussions with Cunha’s camp, and Sky Sports reported that the Brazilian “loves” the idea of moving to Old Trafford. It’s a crucial detail. Player preference often proves decisive in such negotiations — especially when rival bidders like Saudi clubs are offering immediate full payments and vastly higher wages.
For United, Cunha represents far more than a flashy new signing. He is, quite frankly, a solution to multiple problems. The team’s goal output has dipped alarmingly, with a heavy burden placed on young striker Rasmus Højlund, and neither Marcus Rashford nor Antony having the consistent end product to shoulder the load. Bruno Fernandes, as ever, leads by example, but the team needs variety — it needs spontaneity — and that’s what Cunha delivers.
A modern attacker comfortable playing wide or centrally, Cunha fits Ten Hag’s ideal of fluidity in the final third. He’s creative, aggressive, confident on the ball, and doesn’t shy away from high-pressure situations.
Neville’s Take: The Right Kind of Edge
Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports ahead of a recent Manchester City fixture, shared a revealing insight into Cunha’s character. Asked about Cunha’s sometimes fiery demeanor, Neville was clear:
“You need players who can take risks. Good in the final third, and Cunha’s got a lot of ability.”
He went further, likening Cunha to club legends of the past — Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Eric Cantona, and Mark Hughes. All players who weren’t just talented but possessed a certain “spike,” a tough, uncompromising attitude that translated into match-winning moments.
“Sometimes they did the unpredictable and lost their discipline, but they were amazing players,” Neville said, clearly implying that a bit of chaos — controlled or otherwise — can be a weapon when harnessed correctly.
It’s a ringing endorsement. And it’s one that United fans, who have seen too many quiet performances in recent months, may find very appealing.
Wolves’ Reality: Cash Needed, Legacy to Protect
From Wolves’ perspective, the writing may be on the wall — but that doesn’t make it any easier. Cunha has been one of their key attacking outlets this season, and his departure would undoubtedly leave a sizeable hole in Gary O’Neil’s plans. Still, Wolves are not in a position to ignore £62.5 million — especially when they could reinvest those funds smartly across multiple areas of the pitch.
Crucially, Molineux News reports that Wolves would be open to a staggered payment structure from United, provided the total sum of the release clause is honoured. That flexibility could make all the difference, given United’s need to comply with financial regulations. United could theoretically agree to pay £20-25 million upfront and structure the rest in manageable instalments over two to three years.
It’s a compromise, and one that reflects the reality of the market: a top player pushing for a move, a club needing income, and a buyer trying to stretch their resources without falling foul of FFP constraints.
Tactical Fit: A Dream for Ten Hag
If Cunha does arrive at Old Trafford, he could slot into multiple roles. Ten Hag has often tried to implement a hybrid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape with emphasis on rotations in attack. Cunha, who is equally adept at playing on the left, as a second striker, or even leading the line, gives United the fluidity and unpredictability they have lacked.
He can:
Link midfield and attack with his movement and short passing.
Drive at defenders with speed and dribbling ability.
Press from the front, matching Ten Hag’s high-intensity expectations.
Deliver both goals and assists, thriving in tight games where one moment can decide everything.
With Rasmus Højlund maturing, Fernandes orchestrating, and Cunha buzzing around in attacking spaces, United could finally develop a front line that combines youth, flair, and work rate.
Cunha and the Lure of Old Trafford
It’s easy to forget that despite the club’s struggles, Manchester United remains one of the most powerful brands in global football. The allure of the club, its fanbase, and its legacy still resonates with top talent. For Cunha, who has played in Brazil, Germany, Spain, and now England, a move to Old Trafford may represent the next chapter in a career that’s always been forward-looking and ambitious.
And while money talks — and Saudi clubs could easily meet his release clause in full today — legacy still matters to many players. For Cunha, becoming a key figure in the United rebuild may mean more than collecting another massive payday elsewhere.
Conclusion: A Transfer That Could Define the Summer
If Manchester United pull this off, Matheus Cunha could prove to be more than just a marquee signing — he could be the player that reignites belief at Old Trafford. For Wolves, it’s a bittersweet but necessary business decision, one that could allow them to rebuild smartly and avoid losing him for less down the line.
With Gary Neville backing the move, Wolves open to flexible payment terms, and Cunha reportedly sold on the idea, this is a deal with momentum — and one that fans on both sides should watch very closely.
Would you like a projected United lineup with Cunha included? Or a breakdown of how his stats this season compare to United’s current attacking options?