Manchester United have confirmed the £62.5m signing of Brazil forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves, completing one of the summer’s most anticipated transfers. The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the option of an extra 12 months, fulfilling what he described as a “dream move” to Old Trafford.
“It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player,” Cunha said. “Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.”
United triggered Cunha’s release clause earlier this month, and the deal—subject to a visa and medical—has now been finalised. The former Atletico Madrid forward scored 31 goals in 76 appearances for Wolves and has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players since arriving in 2023.
With new manager Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford, Cunha is expected to play a central role in reshaping a faltering attack that scored just 44 goals in 38 league games last season—a record low for the club in the Premier League era.
“Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window,” said United director of football Jason Wilcox.
Though not a traditional number nine, Cunha’s versatility is seen as a key asset. His 27 Premier League goals over the past two seasons were not only a product of clinical finishing but also of smart movement, creative link-up play, and fearless dribbling.
Last season at Wolves, Cunha played predominantly as a left-sided number 10, often dropping deep to collect possession and initiate attacks. His transformation from striker to attacking midfielder gave Wolves tactical flexibility, and it’s a role he could reprise under Amorim.
“Cunha fits very well in Ruben’s 3-4-2-1 system,” said Edu Rubio, former Wolves coach. “He can play as an eight, a 10, a second striker or a lone striker. He likes drifting wide and cutting inside, making penetrating runs both with and without the ball. United will need to give him that creative freedom.”
Cunha’s underlying stats show just how effective he can be. He matched Bruno Fernandes’ tally of 51 shots on target last season and netted six goals from outside the box—evidence of his ability to score from distance and create danger in transition.
Former England midfielder Fara Williams praised United’s ability to still attract players of Cunha’s calibre, despite their lack of European football. “United are lucky they still have their historic appeal and reputation,” she told BBC Sport. “Cunha improves the squad. There’s no doubt about his quality or his commitment to winning.”
Cunha becomes the latest piece in what promises to be a new-look attack under Amorim. With previous big-money signings like Antony and Rasmus Hojlund struggling for consistency, Cunha’s arrival brings both proven Premier League performance and tactical adaptability.
Off the ball, he is just as effective. He presses with intent, contributes defensively, and brings energy that United’s front line has often lacked.
His signing also signals a shift in recruitment strategy under Amorim and Wilcox—targeting intelligent, multi-functional players who can adapt to fluid systems rather than fitting rigid positional roles.
While expectations will be high, Cunha appears to relish the pressure. “I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make this dream a reality,” he said.
Now, Manchester United fans will hope Cunha’s dream start leads to a revitalised attack—and, eventually, a return to former glories.
