Matheus Cunha has given Manchester United positive indications that he is interested in joining them from Wolves, despite competition to trigger his £62.5m release clause.
As underlined by Sky Sports News last week, the 25-year-old ranks high among United’s targets to fortify Ruben Amorim’s attack.
Cunha’s explosiveness as a No 10 in the same system Amorim uses, aligned with his ability to operate anywhere across the forward line, makes him very attractive to a side desperate for goals, creativity, and dynamism in ball progression.
He has been filed as a player who could instantly improve United, and his experience in different leagues and countries – Brazil, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and England – points to having the strength of character to adapt and thrive in contrasting conditions.
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers
The 25-year-old’s loss of emotional control, which has led to suspensions, has been viewed as an anomaly rather than the norm during his career. There is a view he can learn to channel that fiery side to further improve his game.
Cunha is one of a number of attacking options United are considering this summer with Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap also among those featuring in their thinking.
The forward, signed from Atletico Madrid in 2022 for a fee of around £34m, has registered 26 goals and 11 assists in 60 Premier League games.
Aston Villa yet to make Rashford transfer decision
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Speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, football journalist and Aston Villa fan Sam Tighe suggests that Villa are paving the way to replace Ollie Watkins with Marcus Rashford permanently this summer
Aston Villa have not yet decided whether to take up their £40m option to turn Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United into a permanent deal.
Rashford has scored three goals and provided six assists across his 16 appearances in all competitions for Villa since arriving on loan in the January transfer window.
Unai Emery admitted “it depends on the circumstances for now and the next weeks” while sources indicate the forward has not given up hope of joining Barcelona, who were credited as a potential landing destination before his move to Villa Park.
It was unequivocal at United that Rashford needed fresh scenery – not just in terms of being away from the pressure at the Old Trafford side and heightened scrutiny, but a break from the city itself and the lifestyle habits that were impeding his professionalism.
Villa was seen as an opportunity for the player to refocus, rediscover his joy of playing, and put himself in the shop window.
Whether or not he stays there, it is obvious Rashford’s future lies away from Old Trafford. His fine form has ensured there will be more interested suitors than had been the case in January.
Staff at United have been happy to see Rashford apply himself and do well. There was sadness at the way his story at the club nosedived, particularly among those who support the club and work at Carrington.
The hierarchy have no regrets – several attempts were made to get through to him – and the pure profit United would make from a sale would go towards the two attackers they ideally want to bring in this summer.