Manchester United Eye £62.5m Forward with Key Talks Set to Begin | OneFootball

Manchester United Step Up Interest in Cunha as Arsenal Pursue Alternatives

Manchester United’s summer plans appear to be gathering pace, with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha emerging as a major target for the forward line under new head coach Ruben Amorim. According to Ben Jacobs, the Brazilian’s representatives are due in England for direct talks, with Old Trafford now a serious destination after Arsenal cooled their interest in the £62.5m-rated attacker.

“Cunha’s agent set for talks in England. Man Utd is of appeal to Cunha,” Jacobs confirmed via X. “Lack of Champions League football, should United not win the Europa League, won’t necessarily count against suitors.”

Opportunity Opens as Arsenal Focus Shifts

Arsenal were thought to be frontrunners for Cunha, especially following the appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director—having previously signed Cunha during his time at Atlético Madrid. Yet as reported by Correio da Manha, Berta is instead prioritising a deal for Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyökeres, effectively removing Arsenal from contention.

This has created a clear opening for Manchester United to make a decisive move. talkSPORT reports that “initial contact” between Cunha’s representatives and United has already been made, and further negotiations are expected to follow imminently.

Amorim’s System and the Cunha Fit

Cunha’s strengths align naturally with Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. With 13 goals and 4 assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season, the 25-year-old has carried Wolves through a difficult campaign, showing a blend of sharp movement, explosive ball-carrying, and high work rate.

United are keen to reinforce their attacking depth behind the striker, with Cunha seen as ideal for the inside forward roles. His ability to link play and make dynamic runs into the box makes him a compelling fit for the tactical shift expected under Amorim.

Cunha himself recently admitted his ambition to leave Molineux in the summer: “Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”

Photo: IMAGO

Financials and Competition

Despite a new contract signed in February, Cunha’s deal includes a release clause of £62.5m—an amount that could suit multiple Premier League clubs looking for immediate impact and long-term value. Manchester City retain a sell-on clause, adding complexity, but not enough to deter the growing queue of suitors.

Chelsea and Newcastle have also been monitoring Cunha’s situation. But while Arsenal appear to have moved on, United’s early interest and tactical need could give them a critical edge.

No Champions League? No Problem

United’s path to Champions League football still hangs in the balance. A Europa League title would secure their spot, but even without that security, Cunha is not deterred. “Man Utd is of appeal to Cunha,” Jacobs reiterated, with the lack of Champions League football “not necessarily” being a deal-breaker.

In a window where clarity and commitment from top targets will be paramount, Cunha’s openness to the United project—even without European football—sends a clear message: he’s ready to step into the spotlight, and United may just be the right stage.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United, this pursuit feels both ambitious and logical. Cunha’s style of play—energetic, technical, with an eye for goal—is exactly what’s been missing from United’s attacking puzzle. Bruno Fernandes can’t carry the creative load alone, and too often, the front line has lacked movement and sharpness in transition.

Cunha offers more than just end product. He presses with purpose, links play between the lines, and seems to thrive under responsibility. It’s no surprise he’s flourished at Wolves despite the odds. In an Amorim system, he wouldn’t just fit—he’d flourish.

The reported £62.5m release clause might seem steep, but given the age profile and Premier League experience, it’s a smart investment—especially when compared to other inflated deals in recent years.

That Cunha remains open to joining United, regardless of Champions League status, should be music to fans’ ears. It signals belief in the project—and in Amorim. This could be the start of a much-needed new era at Old Trafford, and Cunha might just be the ideal poster boy for it.