Manchester United Step Up Move for Wolves Star as Højlund Faces Exit | OneFootball

Manchester United Move Boldly for Matheus Cunha: Hojlund Set to Depart

Manchester United are wasting little time under Ruben Amorim’s watch. According to a TeamTalk exclusive, United have tabled a five-year contract offer to Wolves’ standout performer, Matheus Cunha, in a move that could reshape Old Trafford’s attacking options.

Cunha Talks Accelerate as Competition Grows

Negotiations between Manchester United and Cunha’s entourage have been progressing swiftly. “Man Utd have been in talks with Cunha’s entourage for some time and negotiations are advancing by the day, but they must move quickly as other Premier League sides also admire him,” TeamTalk reveal. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation, ready to pounce should talks stall.

Photo: IMAGO

United initially proposed a four-year deal with an option for a fifth, but a “straight five-year deal” running until June 2030 is now on the table. There are still minor salary details to finalise, but fresh meetings are planned to close the deal.

Interestingly, while United are prepared to meet Cunha’s £62.5m release clause, they would prefer a “deferred payment spread over three or four seasons” to navigate PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) smoothly.

Hojlund Facing the Exit Door

Cunha’s arrival has major ramifications for Rasmus Højlund. Despite high expectations following his move from Atalanta, the Danish striker has struggled, scoring “just one goal in his last 18 Premier League games.”

TeamTalk confirm: “Given Cunha’s potential arrival, Ruben Amorim’s side have definitively decided to place Rasmus Hojlund on the transfer list.”

Photo IMAGO

Serie A sides are circling for Højlund’s signature, with a return to Italy appearing increasingly likely. It is a stark reminder of the cut-throat nature of top-level football — potential alone does not buy patience at Old Trafford.

Cunha’s Fit Under Ruben Amorim

The 25-year-old Brazilian has shone for Wolves this season, amassing 17 goals and six assists across all competitions. More than just a striker, Cunha’s versatility could prove invaluable: “Cunha generally plays as an attacking midfielder for Wolves but has also featured as a striker or winger.”

Such adaptability will be crucial in Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formations. A dynamic forward who can press, create, and finish — Cunha looks an ideal fit for the style United crave but have rarely delivered in recent seasons.

Final Steps Before A Major Summer Statement

As TeamTalk underline, “Man Utd are the clear frontrunners in the race to sign Cunha, but nothing is done until a transfer is formally sealed.”

Confidence is growing inside Old Trafford that Cunha will become one of the first major additions of Amorim’s reign, setting the tone for a summer of aggressive rebuild and high ambition.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a concerned Manchester United fan’s perspective, this move feels loaded with risk. Yes, Cunha’s numbers at Wolves are impressive, but £62.5m is an enormous outlay, especially when considering United’s recent struggles with big-money forwards. Cunha’s versatility is a plus, but supporters will wonder if the club is simply swapping one unfinished project for another.

The decision to offload Rasmus Højlund also feels ruthless. While his output was undeniably disappointing — “just one goal in his last 18 Premier League games” — fans might argue that an injury-hit, transitional season under Erik ten Hag and now Amorim warranted more patience. Selling so soon after investing heavily in the young Dane may end up looking shortsighted.

Moreover, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Saudi clubs hovering, the deal isn’t done yet. There’s a nervous energy among fans: excitement at the idea of Cunha’s flair, but scepticism about whether another major transfer gamble will pay off.

United must get this right. Otherwise, another season of underachievement beckons, regardless of Amorim’s fresh ideas.