Matheus Cunha is set to join Manchester United after the club activated the £62.5 million release clause in the Brazilian international’s Wolves contract. Despite interest from several other clubs, Cunha was determined to play at Old Trafford and remained committed to the move, undeterred by United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester United Confirm £62.5m Deal for Matheus Cunha as First Signing Under Ruben Amorim
Manchester United have officially announced an agreement to sign Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal, marking Ruben Amorim’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old will sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option for an additional year. The deal was swiftly completed on the opening day of the transfer window, as United look to rebuild following a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Cunha leaves Molineux as Wolves’ record sale, with United meeting the full value of his release clause. The clause, inserted into Cunha’s contract during negotiations in January, was designed to protect Wolves’ interests and allowed the club to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga. Wolves will receive the fee in three instalments, all to be paid by the summer of 2027, after rejecting United’s initial proposal to spread payments over five years.
United’s signing of Cunha is subject to visa approval and registration.
Wolves are satisfied with how quickly the transfer has been completed and are now preparing for a busy summer under head coach Vitor Pereira. Despite Cunha’s departure, the club remains confident, having performed well during his suspension periods last season—showing they were not reliant on a single player.
Cunha caught United’s attention with his standout performance at Old Trafford in the opening match of the 2023/24 season. The club has been monitoring his progress ever since, impressed by his consistency and versatility.
Despite interest from several top clubs—including Arsenal, Aston Villa, and multiple Saudi Pro League sides—Cunha was clear in his ambition: he wanted to play for Manchester United. He views the club as one of the biggest in the world and remained eager to join, undeterred by their failure to qualify for the Champions League after their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
A source close to the deal told Sky Sports News that Cunha “loves United,” and club officials were particularly impressed with his commitment to joining, regardless of European football status.
Cunha joined Wolves from Atlético Madrid in 2022 for around £34 million. He enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
Neville: Cunha a Perfect Fit for Amorim’s System
former United captain Gary Neville praised the signing:
“Manchester United are desperate in that position. They’ve let Sancho, Rashford, and Antony go, so that’s three players who could carry the ball forward.
Garnacho’s doing well, but it’s left them lopsided. On the other flank, they’ve rotated between Zirkzee, Bruno Fernandes, and even Mason Mount.
What they’ve lacked is someone who can beat players, carry the ball through the middle, and support wide areas. Cunha ticks all those boxes and will fit perfectly into Amorim’s system.”
