Matheus Cunha is finally close to completing his transfer from Wolves to Manchester United after a long couple of months.
It was in March when Cunha announced he wanted to leave Wolves, and since then, Man United emerged as favourites to sign him.
After months of negotiating, United are set to agree payment terms for Cunha in the coming days, as Wolves prepare to bid farewell to their Brazilian superstar.
Cunha has already said his goodbyes to Wolves fans after their 1-1 draw against Brentford, as the 26-year-old gets ready to embark on a new chapter.
Once the transfer is finalised, here are the winners and losers from the deal.
Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
Winners from Matheus Cunha joining Manchester United
Jorgen Strand Larsen
When Cunha was suspended for four matches during March and April, no one benefited more than striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Norwegian scored five goals in the period he was absent for, and while Strand Larsen loves playing with Cunha, his departure opens the door for him to become the main man.
As seen during his time as the main focal point, it’s something he relishes.
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Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
Someone else who benefited when Cunha wasn’t in the side was Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. The Frenchman was offered more creative license, and even grabbed two assists for Strand Larsen against Southampton.
Pereira’s men played more like a team when the 26-year-old combined with the towering striker, and some Wolves fans felt Bellegarde could replace Cunha long-term.
He will now get that chance, perhaps relishing the opportunity of becoming a regular starter as a number 10.
Manchester United
Manchester United are another clear winner of landing Cunha. The former Atletico Madrid star may have attitude problems but he’s a sensational footballer who will fit perfectly into Ruben Amorim’s system.
Cunha plundered 17 goals in all competitions in 2024/25, and now, he gets a chance to play for one of the biggest teams in the world, with the Red Devils undoubtedly benefiting from his talent.
Losers from Matheus Cunha joining Manchester United
Rayan Ait-Nouri
One key factor behind Wolves’ resurgence under Pereira was the blossoming partnership of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Cunha.
The duo combined ruthlessly on several occasions, including for the wonderful goal against Leicester City, to decimate opposition defences.
Now that Cunha is leaving, Ait-Nouri will have his telepathic partnership stolen from him and it’s something that will be difficult to replace.
Andre and Joao Gomes
As a trio of Brazilians at Wolves, Andre and Joao Gomes have an excellent friendship with Cunha, both at the club and international level.
Cunha gifted Gomes a Rolex watch as he prepares for his departure, and it’s also on the pitch where they’ve all lifted each other’s games.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, with the monstrous midfield duo undoubtedly left feeling saddened by his pending exit.
Vitor Pereira
Even when Cunha was broadcasting his desire to leave the club, Pereira continued to stick by him.
That is the sign of a manager who understands his player and knows how to manage the situation, with the 56-year-old showing he’s not afraid to drop him if he’s had disciplinary troubles.
But it’s equally clear that Pereira will miss someone of the Brazilian’s class. Cunha can win a game in an instant or produce a moment of magic, and that is impossible to replace without paying the big bucks.