Manchester United Have Joined the Race to Sign £62.5m Forward – Report | OneFootball

Manchester United Enter Matheus Cunha Chase Amid Summer Rebuild

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, according to a report from talkSPORT. The Brazilian forward is attracting serious interest ahead of a summer where United are expected to reinforce under incoming manager Ruben Amorim.

Cunha, 25, is currently Wolves’ top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, despite missing the last four games through suspension. His consistent output, dynamic playing style, and proven Premier League experience make him a compelling option for a side seeking more incisiveness in the final third.

Photo: IMAGO

Amorim’s Vision Demands Firepower

With Ruben Amorim’s appointment imminent, the club’s transfer focus is shifting toward players capable of thriving in his favoured 3-4-2-1 system. That setup relies heavily on a fluid front line where attacking midfielders play an instrumental role between the lines.

As talkSPORT explains, “United are looking for a number 10 to fit into Ruben Amorim’s rigid 3-4-2-1 system.” Cunha’s versatility, being able to operate as both a second striker and a false nine, makes him an ideal candidate. He’s not only industrious and press-resistant, but he offers incisiveness in transition—traits Amorim will value immensely.

With current forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing a combined tally of just 14 goals this season, the need for a productive and creative attacker is glaring. Cunha’s double-digit goal haul in a team not known for prolific scoring adds significant weight to his candidacy.

Photo IMAGO

Big Six Preference and Transfer Clause Intrigue

While Nottingham Forest have maintained interest in Cunha for some time, talkSPORT reports that “it’s understood from those close the player that he prefers to join a big-six club, even if Forest qualify for the Champions League.” That admission will only embolden Manchester United and Arsenal, both of whom are monitoring the forward.

Crucially, Cunha has a £62.5million release clause that activates this summer. Although he penned a new four-year deal with Wolves in February, that clause could render the contract moot if any of the top suitors decide to act decisively.

The article states: “Cunha has a release clause of £62.5million, which kicks in this summer.” That price tag places him in the bracket of a marquee signing—significant, but not excessive in the current market given his age, output, and potential for growth.

Photo IMAGO

His agent is already working behind the scenes. As talkSPORT notes, “Cunha’s agent will fly to England soon for face-to-face talks with potential suitors, and has already made some initial contact with United.” It appears groundwork is being laid, and Manchester United’s interest is more than speculative.

Suspension Storm Doesn’t Cloud Season Form

Despite a recent four-match suspension—extended after an altercation with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez—Cunha’s importance to Wolves hasn’t diminished. He remains their talisman, with talkSPORT confirming: “Despite the absence, he remains Wolves’ top scorer this season with 15 strikes across all competitions.”

Since his permanent move from Atlético Madrid in 2023, Cunha has grown in influence at Molineux. While Wolves have gone unbeaten during his suspension, including a morale-boosting win over Ipswich, there’s no denying his absence was felt creatively.

Manager Vítor Pereira was quick to criticise Cunha’s conduct following a red card in the FA Cup: “Wolves manager Vitor Pereira slams captain Matheus Cunha for his behaviour after their defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League.” Yet even with disciplinary concerns, interest in Cunha remains undeterred—a testament to his quality.

Potential Fit and Timing Make This a Logical Move

Timing could be crucial. Cunha is set to return for Wolves’ clash with Tottenham this weekend, giving scouts a final opportunity to evaluate him live before negotiations heat up. United, meanwhile, are preparing for a summer of calculated ambition—neither scattergun nor reserved.

Amorim’s tactical discipline demands players who can absorb instruction and deliver with consistency. In that context, Cunha ticks boxes as both a stylistic and strategic fit. His ability to drop deep, rotate into wide areas, and create from tight pockets would provide United with a new attacking dynamic.

Whether Old Trafford becomes his next destination remains to be seen, but all signs point towards serious interest—especially if Arsenal prioritise other targets like Viktor Gyökeres and Nico Williams.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you’re a Manchester United supporter, this report is a breath of fresh optimism. At long last, the club seems to be targeting players who fit a defined system, not just headline names. Matheus Cunha might not carry the same global recognition as some others, but those who watch the Premier League closely know what he brings—creativity, flair, and end product.

United fans have waited years for a clear football identity, and if Ruben Amorim’s style is to be implemented properly, Cunha is the sort of signing that bridges the gap between tactical discipline and attacking unpredictability.

Yes, the £62.5million release clause is substantial—but not outrageous. In today’s market, that figure feels almost economical for a proven, peak-age forward with Premier League pedigree. More importantly, he wants to play at a big-six club. That mentality matters. United need hungry players who aren’t just arriving for the name or the wages, but who believe they belong at the top.

The idea of Cunha linking up with Bruno Fernandes and orchestrating attacks beneath a resurgent Rasmus Højlund has real potential. Throw in the support of Amorim—who reportedly sees Cunha as an ideal piece—and this feels like a transfer that could genuinely move United forward.