Brazilian star signs five-year deal as United strengthen attack under Amorim
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Brazil international Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million. The forward has signed a five-year contract with the option to extend for an additional year.
United triggered the release clause in Cunha’s contract earlier this month, and the transfer is now complete following a successful medical and visa clearance.
“It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player,” said Cunha.
“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. I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.”
The 25-year-old forward scored 31 goals in 76 appearances across all competitions for Wolves after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023.
A key signing for United’s rebuild
Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, made bolstering the team’s attack a top priority after a poor league campaign where the club scored just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games — their lowest tally in the competition’s history.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, said:
“Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing early in the window.”
Despite United’s recent struggles and lack of European football next season, they managed to beat competition from clubs like Newcastle United, who are preparing for Champions League football.
Former England midfielder Fara Williams told BBC Sport:
“United are lucky they still have their historic appeal. That reputation helps them attract top players like Cunha even without European football.
There’s no doubt Cunha improves this squad.”
Cunha’s qualities and playing style
Cunha may not be a traditional centre-forward, but his versatility and technical ability make him a valuable asset. Last season, he netted 27 Premier League goals across two campaigns and created plenty of chances with his intelligent movement and dribbling.
He scored six goals from outside the box last season and had 51 shots on target — matching United captain Bruno Fernandes in both stats.
Cunha began his Wolves career as a striker but evolved into more of an attacking midfielder in his second season. He was most effective in a left-sided number 10 role, where he dropped deep to collect the ball and drive forward through tight spaces.
Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio praised Cunha’s growth:
“He needed time to adapt to English football, but now he’s showing his real quality.
He can dribble, break lines, and deliver key passes. He fits perfectly into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Whether as an eight, ten, second striker or even a wide forward, Cunha offers tactical flexibility.”
Rubio added that Cunha’s ability to drift wide and make diagonal runs into the box will give United a new attacking dimension — especially if he is given freedom to rotate positions.
What United fans can expect
Cunha brings more than just flair. He’s also known for his hard work off the ball, pressing defenders and tracking back when needed. This fits well with Ruben Amorim’s vision for a modern, energetic front line.
As the new era at Old Trafford begins, United fans will hope Cunha’s arrival marks a turning point in their long-term rebuild — both in terms of goals and exciting football.