Why are Manchester United behind Matheus Cunha?

Manchester United have completed one of their disastrous seasons in the Premier League and a disappointment in the Europa League finals have put them in a spot of bother financially as well as in the transfer window. Amidst these, the club is in the pole position to secure Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers as he fits the playing style. According to reports, the club has met the release clause and will look to complete the deals in the coming weeks.

Transfer journalist, David Ornstein had posted on X handle:

🚨 Manchester United have now met terms of £62.5m release clause in Matheus Cunha contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers - so #WWFC have given #MUFC permission to conclude deal with 26yo Brazil int’l forward, conduct medical & complete transfer

🚨 Manchester United have now met terms of £62.5m release clause in Matheus Cunha contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers - so #WWFC have given #MUFC permission to conclude deal with 26yo Brazil int’l forward, conduct medical & complete transfer @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/LduUGuwZ4O

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 27, 2025

While there are several players who could play the same role and position, why is there an unreal obsession behind Matheus Cunha? Let's find it out: 

While Wolverhampton Wanderers endured dark days during the first half of their campaign, Cunha came in clutch and led the goal tally for the team. He bagged 15 goals and created 57 chances. Per game, he averaged up to 1.5 shots on target. While the goals came easily, the Portuguese forward overperformed his xG by 6.55, underlining his finishing quality. A time where the players at Old Trafford struggle to convert even the easiest of chances, Cunha could be a game changer. Additionally, he successfully dribbled past opponents with an average of 2.1 dribbles per 90 minutes.

Positionally as well, Matheus Cunha can adapt to multiple roles, making him the perfect candidate for Ruben Amorim’s setup. He can operate on the left flank or as a number ten, and he can also slot in as a traditional striker if needed. This flexibility allows players like Mason Mount or Amad to take up the creative playmaker role.

What would the Manchester United playing XI look like at the start of the 2025/26 season?

Manchester United are linked with several players across Europe, and they are expected to see some departures, which would result in at least three additions to the playing XI despite financial constraints. One of the key changes would see Manchester United fielding a different shot-stopper as well as a new striker, after the club struggled to find goals. An ideal playing XI would look like the following:

Joan Garcia (GK), Lenny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Noussar Mazroui, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes (C), Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo