The three-year wait is finally about to bear fruit. Manchester United is on the verge of signing Matheus Cunha (26, Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Global media outlet ESPN reported on the 20th (Korean time) that "Manchester United is finalizing the transfer of Cunha from Wolverhampton. According to sources, Manchester United's confidence in acquiring him this summer is growing."
The outlet added, "Manchester United is pursuing the Brazilian Cunha, who has a buyout clause of £62.5 million (approximately 116.5 billion won). Club sources claim that Manchester United's focus is on the Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday, but sources familiar with the negotiations explained that the discussions are 'in the final stages.'"
Manchester United is already prepared to activate Cunha's buyout clause at a significant cost. Manchester United must defeat Tottenham in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League (UEL) final held at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League (UCL).
However, that is not seen as an obstacle. According to ESPN, Cunha is willing to move to Old Trafford (Manchester United's home ground) regardless of Manchester United's qualification for the UCL next season. Essentially, only signing the contract is left.
European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano also reported similar news. Having already shouted 'Here we go,' he stated, "Manchester United is expected to contact Wolverhampton. A deal with the player’s side is nearly complete. Final details are becoming clearer. Cunha has said 'YES.'"
British outlet Sky Sports also reported the same day that Cunha would wear a Manchester United jersey after this season ends. The outlet mentioned, "Manchester United is likely to activate the £62.5 million release clause. Despite interest from other clubs, Cunha wants to play for Manchester United. I heard the contract is nearly agreed upon."
Sky Sports further explained, "Cunha is scheduled to join Manchester United this weekend after the season concludes." They noted, "There has been no direct contact between Manchester United and Wolverhampton yet. However, it appears that official procedures will take place once the season ends."
Manchester United is having its worst season, falling to 16th place in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Cunha's love for Manchester United seems unshaken. According to Sky Sports, a source stated, "Cunha loves Manchester United."
The outlet quoted, "Cunha believes Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. He will not hesitate to move to Manchester United, which is two tiers below Wolverhampton. Five Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, were eager to sign Cunha this summer. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and even clubs from Saudi Arabia were willing to activate Cunha's buyout clause."
Cunha, who will soon wear a Manchester United jersey, is a versatile resource capable of playing not only as a striker but also as a winger. Like many Brazilians, he possesses excellent skills with the ball, and he has a powerful shot as well as strong playmaking abilities. This season, he has recorded 34 matches with 17 goals and 6 assists, making him the team's top scorer.
Cunha has been a highly regarded talent in Europe since he was young. He did not shine significantly at Leipzig, Hertha Berlin, or Atletico Madrid, but flourished after arriving in the Premier League. Since joining Wolverhampton in 2023, Cunha has recorded 90 matches, 33 goals, and 15 assists, often showing good synergy by combining five goals with Hwang Hee-chan.
As Cunha's performance continued, numerous Premier League big clubs showed interest. During the last winter transfer window, he could have moved to Arsenal. After Arsenal's offensive talents like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus fell to injuries, they approached him. However, Cunha rejected their advances to save Wolverhampton, who were struggling to avoid relegation.
Having stayed at Wolverhampton and saved the team from relegation, Cunha is now set to begin a new challenge at Manchester United. Last month, Cunha declared in an interview with the British Guardian, "Now we have almost achieved our (staying) goal. But I definitely want to say that we need to move to the next stage. I want to fight for championships or big titles. I have potential," publicly announcing his desire to transfer.
Cunha is likely to take on the role of an attacking midfielder in the 3-4-2-1 formation under Manchester United's coach Ruben Amorim. British broadcaster BBC noted, "Cunha is evaluated as the ideal player for one of the two attacking midfielder positions in Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. He is currently active in a similar system under Wolverhampton's coach Vitor Pereira."
ESPN also stated, "Amorim is eager to sign Cunha. He identified Cunha as the perfect player to take on one of the No. 10 roles in his 3-4-3 system. According to sources, Manchester United has also considered Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo."
The outlet added, "Manchester United expects no issues in signing Cunha. They hope that he will agree to align with the club's revised salary structure, as the board is trying to reduce overall wage costs."
In fact, Manchester United had kept an eye on Cunha as far back as 2022. At that time, Manchester United explored transfer possibilities with Cunha's agent, who was playing for Atletico Madrid. However, the deal fell through due to issues regarding the transfer fee, and ultimately, Cunha joined Wolverhampton on loan with a permanent transfer option. After three years, Manchester United is about to meet Cunha again.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), WinnerTshipamba, NORTFX, Sky Sports, Backpost UK social media.
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