Manchester United are exploring a summer move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian among a shortlist of attacking options under consideration at Old Trafford.
Cunha, 25, is widely expected to leave Molineux at the end of the season and has a £62.5 million release clause in his contract.
He has attracted interest from several top clubs following an impressive campaign, in which he has scored 16 goals across all competitions, making him Wolves’ top scorer.
Sources indicate that Cunha fits the profile of player head coach Ruben Amorim is targeting as he seeks to overhaul United’s attack.
Amorim is keen to address United’s underwhelming goal return—just 38 goals in 33 Premier League matches—with only Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich, Everton, and West Ham having worse scoring records.
Cunha is seen as an ideal fit for one of the two attacking midfield roles in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, a position he currently occupies under Wolves manager Vitor Pereira, who employs a similar formation.
The former Atletico Madrid striker has netted 32 goals in 87 appearances for Wolves, but his disciplinary record may raise concerns—he has been sent off twice this season, missing six matches through suspension.
In a March interview with The Observer, Cunha hinted at his desire to leave, stating that he had informed Wolves of his ambition to “take the next step” in his career and compete for major trophies.
United are expected to face stiff competition for Cunha’s signature. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle are all reportedly in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer.
Also on United’s radar is Ipswich Town’s 22-year-old striker Liam Delap, as the club looks to add multiple options to its frontline.
However, United’s transfer strategy is clouded by financial uncertainty.
Winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League could generate an estimated £100 million in additional revenue.
Conversely, a poor league finish could cost them significantly—each position in the Premier League is worth around £3 million, and United currently sit 14th, a marked drop from their eighth-place finish last season.
Following Sunday’s home defeat to Wolves, Amorim reiterated that the club has a plan in place to strengthen the squad but noted that serious transfer activity will have to wait until the summer.
While Cunha is a top target, it’s clear United’s rebuild is far from limited to the forward line.
The club is also seeking reinforcements at wing-back, central midfield, and central defense, making for what promises to be a busy and pivotal summer at Old Trafford.
