Ruben Amorim responds to Matheus Cunha transfer speculation | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim would not delve into any specifics surrounding his side's reported transfer interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman Matheus Cunha, but did open up on the club's strategy this summer.

Numerous reports have claimed that United are in the advanced stages of a deal to snap up the versatile forward this summer. Cunha has excelled for an underperforming Wolves side and is one strike shy of matching the record number goals scored in a single Premier League season by a Brazilian. There is widely believed to be a £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract, which simplifies any deal.

Amorim has rarely shied away from any topic of discussion during his United tenure - for better or worse - but flatly refused to address the rumours surrounding Cunha. "I will not say anything about Matheus because if I say one time, I will have to say it for any situation that is yes or no so I will not comment about that," the 40-year-old said.

"We are focused on this season. Even the way we are going to prepare for next season could change in the next games so it's hard to predict what is going to happen in the future."

Matheus Cunha is enjoying the most prolific season of his senior career / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Just last week, however, Amorim was drawn on the topic of Cunha. While previewing Wolves' visit to Old Trafford - which ended in a bleak 1-0 defeat - the United boss hailed the opposition's "really quality players". "Cunha, all these guys, they have a real quality, they are fresh so we know that it is going to be a tough match," Amorim warned.

When a keen-eared journalist honed in on the mention of Cunha, Amorim was quick to quash any transfer talk. "I just gave the example because I just remember about Matheus, that he is scoring a lot of goals," the Portuguese manager huffed. "It is just that."

United are hardly alone in admiring Cunha. Several Saudi Pro League clubs are said to be interested while Arsenal are thought to have entertained a move for the Brazilian during the winter window. Some questioned quite why the in-form, in-demand forward would leave relegation-battling Wolves for a club which boasts the same number of Premier League points.

"It's Manchester United," was Amorim's blunt answer when quizzed about the possibility of struggling to convince transfer targets to join a side slumped in 14th place.

"What I feel is there are a lot of players who want to play for our club and I know that if you look at our club in the moment, with all the problems with the staff and people going, changing coach and the results, it looks like a little bit of a problem.

"But we have a clear idea. That is the easiest part to explain to a player. Then it is Manchester United. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United."

Cunha reportedly fits into that category. The Olympic gold medallist is said to be undeterred by United's abysmal domestic campaign and is prioritising a move to Old Trafford above any other suitor.