Manchester United’s first significant summer acquisition, forward Matheus Cunha, has joined the club from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal, with the promise to help reinstate the team’s past success.
The Brazil international joins a United side in turmoil after enduring their worst league finish in over half a century, coming 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European football for the first time since the 2014/15 season. They also suffered heartbreak in the Europa League final, losing to Tottenham in Bilbao.
Despite the dismal campaign, Cunha said joining United was a dream fulfilled. “It’s the most common phrase you can say at this moment, but this is a dream come true,” the 26-year-old told club media.
“Maybe from the outside, people don’t understand my decision. But when you’ve always dreamed of playing here, it becomes easy. For me, no club compares to United.”
Cunha said he was well aware of the club’s recent struggles but insisted that only reinforced his desire to be part of the rebuild under new manager Ruben Amorim.
“This decision shows what United means to me and what I believe the club can become again. I’ll give everything to help take my dream team back to the top,” he added.
The forward grew up watching United and idolised Wayne Rooney and the stars of the club’s 2008 Champions League-winning side. His ambition now is to bring those glory days back.
“No player comes here without thinking of United’s history—the Premier League titles, the Champions League triumphs,” Cunha said. “I want to help bring those moments back. I’m here to contribute to that journey.”
Cunha was a standout performer for Wolves last season, scoring 17 goals across all competitions and being named the club’s player’s player of the year. His flair and eye for goal will boost a United attack that underperformed significantly last term.
He also played a key role in Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifier, assisting Vinicius Junior for the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Paraguay.
