Matheus Cunha has been in the spotlight ever since his breakout season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian forward was instrumental in Wolves’ survival during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 15 Premier League goals and often carrying the attacking burden single-handedly. But while his on-field performances won plaudits, his off-field actions sparked controversy.
In April, with Wolves still embroiled in the relegation battle, Cunha deleted a social media post (h/t Football Insider) in which he hinted at pursuing “his dreams.” The timing of the gesture drew criticism from fans, who saw it as a sign of waning commitment during the club’s most precarious moments. The backlash was swift, casting a shadow over an otherwise impressive season.
Now, just a few months later, Cunha is once again in the headlines, but this time in the colours of Manchester United. The Red Devils wasted no time in triggering the £62.5 million release clause in his contract, outpacing rivals like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest to land the 27-year-old forward. Notably, Cunha had only signed a contract extension with Wolves back in February, making the deal all the more striking.
Within hours of the announcement, Cunha took to Instagram, writing: “It’s all about following your dreams!”—a short but telling message. The post carried symbolic weight and appeared to be a pointed response to the earlier storm surrounding his deleted message. While the tension from April now seems like a footnote, Cunha’s statement suggests he hasn’t forgotten the criticism.
Matheus Cunha, Manchester United’s £62.5m signing, embraces his dream move to Old Trafford with a bold message.
Will Cunha become a key player for Manchester United? The Brazilian certainly has the tools, sharp movement between the lines, a keen eye for goal, and the confidence to back it up. If he adapts quickly, he could form a dynamic partnership with players like Bruno Fernandes, offering the kind of attacking fluency United have lacked.
However, consistency will be crucial. Cunha will need to replicate the form he showed at Molineux across an entire season. Any drop in performance could reignite scrutiny over his £62.5 million price tag, a fee that is hard to ignore, especially if results don’t follow.
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As for his message, United fans would do well not to overanalyse it. Cunha appears to be an emotional player, and supporters should take comfort in the fact that he dreamt of playing for Manchester United. His ambition to grow and test himself at a club with bigger aspirations should be music to their ears. Football careers are short, and many players feel an understandable urgency to climb the ladder. What truly matters now is how Cunha conducts himself on the pitch while wearing the United shirt.
For Manchester United, the signing represents both ambition and risk. Cunha is entering his prime and offers versatility, aggression, and flair in the final third, qualities desperately needed at Old Trafford. But with a price tag of over £60 million and the emotional baggage of his previous exit, he arrives with expectations firmly on his shoulders.
Still, one thing is clear: Cunha is ready to turn the page. And if his performances match his intent, United may have secured a striker who not only delivers goals, but also brings fire and personality to a team in desperate need of both.