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Manchester United hold positive initial talks with “special” Wolves star with £62.5million release clause
Manchester United have held positive initial talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha over a sensational summer switch to Old Trafford, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Cunha has been Wolves’ standout player this term, scoring 14 Premier League goals and registering four assists, helping ensure his side’s Premier League safety for an eighth consecutive season.
Though not on the scoresheet, Cunha, described as “special” by Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, again starred as Wolves beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, winning the free-kick which Pablo Sarabia ultimately converted for the winner.
In light of the defeat, on Monday, Romano revealed on X that United “are leading the race to sign” the Brazil international, with personal terms being discussed and negotiations “ongoing.”
Romano added that there are “good feelings” after the initial talks, and that United are aware of Cunha’s £62.5million release clause, which was added to his contract when he signed a new four-and-a-half year deal at Molineux back in February.
In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Romano then wrote: “The feeling between player side and club side on new meeting was very positive. More meetings will be needed but Man United feel they’re leading the race for Cunha, as reported yesterday.”
United desperate for more firepower
Rasmus Hojlund. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The news of United being in discussions with Matheus Cunha will no doubt come as music to the ears of fans at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have endured a woeful campaign, currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and guaranteed to end the season with their lowest-ever points tally in the division—unable to better the 58-point total they finished with under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick in 2021/22.
A major reason for United’s struggles has been their blunt attack. Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has failed to find his rhythm in Manchester, while Alejandro Garnacho continues to show flashes of brilliance without delivering consistently.
But it’s £72 million man Rasmus Højlund who has come under the most scrutiny. The Danish striker has managed just three Premier League goals in 28 appearances, a return that has drawn fierce criticism.
Following another toothless performance against Wolves, Premier League legend Alan Shearer described Højlund as a “damaged player.”
“I’m seeing a guy who doesn’t want to get in there. There’s no doubt a crisis in confidence,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “He’s not at the stage of his career to lead the line. I’m not saying there’s not a good player there—I think there is—but with the pressure he’s under, he’s not ready.”
Should United land Cunha this summer, it would mark not only a significant upgrade in their attacking options, but potentially bring an early end to Højlund’s time as the club’s leading striker. The Brazilian’s proven Premier League quality, versatility, and cutting edge in front of goal could offer exactly the spark United have so desperately lacked.
Because right now, United aren’t just struggling—they’re a club in crisis. And solutions like Cunha are needed not later, but now.
