Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool (L) and Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester UnitedArne Slot, Manager of Liverpool (L) and Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool (L) and Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United | Getty Images
Manchester United are looking at securing their first signing of the summer
Manchester United are putting the final touches on their preparations for the Europa League final, as they look to qualify for the Champions League at the expense of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The two English sides sit in the bottom third of the league table but for one team, they will be able to put a tough domestic campaign well and truly behind them with victory in Bilbao. United won 7-1 against Athletic Club on aggregate to book their spot in the final while Spurs defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legs.
The Red Devils’ summer transfer plans will receive a huge boost if they can secure victory on Wednesday night. They will still be able to get some business done without qualifying for European football but will be required to sell some players.
Man Utd closing in on deal for Matheus Cunha
The Red Devils are hoping to complete a deal for Wolves midfielder Matheus Cunha and Sky Sports news have reported that the club are expected to trigger the release clause for the player once the season ends. His release clause stands at £62.5m while Manchester World has reported that contract talks for the player will be influenced by the result of the Europa League final but it should not prevent a move altogether.
The report from Sky Sports has firmed up widespread claims that Cunha is close to moving to Old Trafford but the clubs have yet to have direct contact, with that expected after the final round of games this weekend. It is also reported there has been interest from other clubs but the Brazilian is keen to make the move to United.
Sky Sports News reported: “United are expected to trigger the £62.5m release clause in his contract, the club are aware of the conditions for which that clause will be met. There has been no direct contact between United and Wolves, we expect those formalities once the season has ended.
“Despite interest from other clubs, Cunha wants to play for United. Sky Sports News has been told the deal is almost agreed. He is set to join United after the season ends this weekend.”
Matheus Cunha praised by Premier League managers
Cunha has turned into a goal machine this campaign. He has netted 15 times in 31 games with just seven players scoring more than him. He is the top scoring attacking midfielder in the Premier League, alongside Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. He has seven more than Bruno Fernandes, who is United’s top scorer in the top flight this campaign.
Speaking about the player earlier this season, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said: "Matheus Cunha is a quality player and he has the quality to play for one of the top five teams in England. If you go to the Dutch league and look at the team in 17th place, there is no player who could play for Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord".
Meanwhile, Amorim also singled out Cunha for praise when addressing the job compatriot Vitor Pereira had done at Wolves. Amorim said: “He has real quality players, Cunha, all these guys.”
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