Matheus Cunha has officially completed his much-anticipated move to Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, fulfilling a childhood dream to wear the iconic red shirt. The Brazil international, 26, signed a five-year contract with the option for an additional year, after United activated a £62.5 million ($85 million) release clause in his contract, subject to visa and medical clearances.
“I can’t put into words how much it means to become a Manchester United player,” Cunha said after the deal was confirmed. “Since I was a child in Brazil, watching Premier League games at my grandmother’s house, United was my favorite team, and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.”
The forward, who earned the Premier League club’s Players’ Player of the Year award following a stellar 2024-25 season at Wolves, netted 17 goals across all competitions, showcasing his lethal finishing and creative flair. His outstanding performances made him one of the most sought-after talents in the summer transfer window.
“Thank you to my family and everyone who helped me make this dream a reality,” Cunha added. “I’m excited to start pre-season, meet my new teammates, and get ready for the challenges ahead. My focus is to work hard, become a key player for Manchester United, and help the club return to its rightful place at the top.”
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, expressed his delight at securing Cunha so early in the transfer window. “Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities this summer. He possesses all the qualities we need to build a dynamic, strong, and entertaining team capable of competing for the top honours.”
A Bright Future at Old Trafford
Cunha’s arrival at Manchester United brings much-needed creativity and attacking prowess to a side that struggled with offensive consistency last season. His impressive performances for Brazil, including providing the assist for Vinicius Junior’s match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, highlight his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, who was eager to revamp his squad following a disappointing domestic campaign and a defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham, sees Cunha as a key figure in reshaping the team’s attacking force.
The club has also been linked with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, but their efforts to strengthen the squad have been complicated by their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Despite the challenges, Cunha’s signing marks a positive step as United looks to bounce back and compete for domestic and European glory next season.