‘Wolves set to reject Man United request over Matheus Cunha transfer’
Man United still have a hurdle to clear before completing a move for Wolves’ star forward Matheus Cunha this summer.
A multitude of Premier League teams have kept an eye on the 26-year-old’s progress at Molineux Stadium, with Football Insider understanding that even Nottingham Forest were eyeing Cunha in April.
With 17 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances this season, now totalling 31 goals and 15 assists including his original loan spell with the club, it is easy to recognise his talents on the pitch.
Wolves and Vitor Pereira can certainly thank the Brazilian for playing a key role in Wolves’ survival this season, but as is the case with many smaller teams in the division, he is likely to depart on a big fee.
Football Insider reported on 24 May that Man United were in “very advanced” talks for Cunha’s signature, though there appears to be one key setback left to overcome before the transfer is agreed.
Man United and Wolves still to agree on Matheus Cunha payment
According to David Ornstein in The Athletic (27 May), United have now made contact with Wolves to submit an opening offer for Cunha, with the Red Devils asking to pay the £62.5million release clause over five years.
Wolves expect the transfer fee to be paid over the contractually required two years, though, so United’s request looks set to fail.
With personal terms in place, and Cunha already promised the number 10 shirt at Old Trafford, all parties reportedly anticipate an agreement to be finalised this summer.
Ruben Amorim desperate for more firepower at Old Trafford
Football Insider verdict
Ruben Amorim has no other choice but to rethink the striker situation at Old Trafford, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling in front of goal this season.
Bruno Fernandes was by far the greatest goal threat throughout the campaign, netting 19 times across all competitions, and Football Insider now understands that Man United could accept an offer for Hojlund.
United’s lack of scoring in vital moments, combined with their awful defensive record, the team ended up finishing 15th in the Premier League table, leaving only the Europa League title to fight for.
Both of those aspects of the game came back to haunt the Red Devils in Europe after conceding a messy goal from Brennan Johnson and being unable to find the back of the net against Tottenham.
Alejandro Garnacho is also unlikely to be at Man United next season after a heated clash with the United boss, and Cunha could help to completely reshape the forward line ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.