Manchester United signed Matheus Cunha at the start of this summer transfer window, but they will not be able to agree a deal at such an early stage again in 2026
Matheus Cunha with both hands on his head during a Manchester United match
Matheus Cunha was the first signing Manchester United made during this summer transfer window
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester United agreed to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers one day after their season ended this summer.
Less than 24 hours after they concluded their post-season tour in Hong Kong, the club confirmed they had agreed to the signing, subject to visa and registration. United confirmed the transfer 11 days later on June 12, after Cunha signed a contract.
That was the first time they signed a player in June for six years, dating back to Daniel James joining the club from Swansea City. United, though, will not be able to make moves at such an early stage of next summer.
Neither will any other clubs, because the summer window will not open until June 15. This year, the window began on June 1, the day United announced their agreement to sign Cunha, but that was an earlier date than usual due to the Club World Cup kicking off on June 14.
As such, FIFA allowed for an extraordinary transfer window to run between June 1-10 before reopening on June 16. But with no Club World Cup this coming summer - the next edition is scheduled for 2029 - normal service will resume.
The window will instead start during the early days of the World Cup across Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 15. Clubs, however, can still agree on signings before the market begins.
It means that, in 2026, United will not be permitted to conduct activity as early as they did to sign Cunha. Instead they will be required to wait until the transfer window opens at a more regular time on June 15.
United director of football Jason Wilcox expressed the club's delight at being able to recruit Cunha so quickly this summer. "Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window," he said.
The player also alluded to the advantage of signing before the players returned for training. "I can't wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my team-mates and prepare for the season ahead," he said.
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