Matheus Cunha Joins Manchester United: A New Chapter for the Brazilian Forward

Matheus Cunha’s footballing journey is a story of persistence, flair, and growth. From the beaches of João Pessoa, Brazil, to the iconic Old Trafford pitch, Cunha’s rise has been shaped by moments of brilliance and bold career decisions. The 25-year-old Brazilian forward now embarks on his latest—and perhaps most defining—chapter at Manchester United, joining the club in a high-profile £62.5 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers. As Erik ten Hag aims to revitalize United’s attack, Cunha’s arrival sparks both excitement and cautious optimism among fans and pundits alike.

Manchester United have officially secured the services of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, activating his £62.5 million release clause. The 25-year-old’s arrival is poised to bolster United’s attacking options under manager Ruben Amorim.

A Journey Through European Football

Born on May 27, 1999, in João Pessoa, Brazil, Matheus Cunha began his football journey with Coritiba’s youth setup. His talent soon took him to Europe, where he joined Swiss club Sion in 2017. After a successful stint, he moved to Germany, playing for RB Leipzig and later Hertha BSC. In 2021, Cunha signed with Atlético Madrid before making a move to the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023.en.wikipedia.org

Bundesliga Exposure: Leipzig and Hertha Berlin

In 2018, Cunha signed with RB Leipzig, one of Germany’s fastest-growing clubs. Although he found competition stiff at Leipzig, he managed to showcase his talent, most notably with an acrobatic solo goal against Bayer Leverkusen that earned a FIFA Puskás Award nomination.

Seeking more game time, Cunha transferred to Hertha BSC in early 2020. This move proved fruitful as he became the team’s focal point in attack, registering 13 goals in 40 appearances. His performances in Berlin showed maturity and consistency, traits that solidified his reputation as a forward with high ceiling potential.

La Liga Challenge with Atlético Madrid

Cunha’s growing reputation earned him a transfer to Atlético Madrid in August 2021. Under Diego Simeone, he was expected to evolve tactically, especially given Atlético’s rigid, defense-first style. While his time in Spain was less prolific in terms of goals (7 goals in 40 league appearances), he gained invaluable experience in big matches, including Champions League outings.

However, a lack of consistent minutes and the club’s attacking congestion prompted another move—this time to the Premier League.

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Premier League Impact with Wolves

In January 2023, Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Cunha, initially on loan with a mandatory purchase clause. Many were skeptical, but Cunha quickly adapted to the physicality and pace of English football. Over 18 months at Wolves, he scored 14 Premier League goals in 39 appearances, including a sensational hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Cunha’s dribbling, press resistance, and ability to link midfield to attack made him a standout performer. He wasn’t just scoring—he was creating chances, dragging defenders, and revitalizing Wolves’ frontline. His standout 2024-25 season earned him the club’s Players’ Player of the Season award.

£62.5 Million Move to Manchester United

Manchester United’s summer 2025 transfer strategy under Ruben Amorim focused on versatility, technical quality, and tactical intelligence. Matheus Cunha checked all the boxes. United activated his release clause of £62.5 million, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings in recent years.

According to reports from United In Focus, the club conducted an extensive analysis of Cunha’s injury record before finalizing the transfer. While he has had a few muscular injuries in the past, especially in early 2024, his overall availability remains impressive.

Playing Style and Tactical Fit

Matheus Cunha is not your typical number 9. He thrives in spaces between the lines, capable of playing as a center-forward, second striker, or even a winger. His creativity, dribbling, and pressing ability make him an ideal fit for Amorim’s system, which relies on vertical transitions and positional flexibility.

Unlike traditional strikers, Cunha often drops deep to link play, allowing teammates to exploit space in behind. His off-the-ball intelligence could complement players like Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Alejandro Garnacho.

Cunha’s tenacity also aligns with United’s desire to press higher up the pitch. He is known for relentless energy and a willingness to defend from the front—a trait often praised during his Wolves stint.

Fan Reactions and Pundit Opinions

Reactions among United supporters have been mixed. While many are excited about his potential and Premier League experience, some question the high fee and whether he can consistently deliver goals at a top-six club.

A popular post on Reddit’s r/reddevils highlights divided fan sentiments. Some users praised his dynamic presence, while others compared him unfavorably to past United misfires.

Pundits like Adam Cleary have defended the move, citing Cunha’s tactical intelligence, adaptability, and untapped ceiling. As the Premier League becomes increasingly demanding for traditional forwards, players like Cunha—able to operate across multiple positions—could be crucial.

International Career

Cunha has represented Brazil at multiple youth levels, most notably winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the Brazil U23 team. He was Brazil’s top scorer in the tournament and a central figure in their success.

His senior Brazil caps have been limited due to stiff competition, but a strong showing at Manchester United could push him back into contention for the national team, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

Injury Concerns: A Calculated Risk

One major consideration with Cunha is his injury record. A breakdown by UnitedInFocus noted that Cunha missed 9 matches in early 2024 due to a hamstring issue and had recurring minor muscular problems. However, his injuries were not long-term or chronic.

United’s medical team is reportedly confident in managing his workload. With proper rotation and conditioning, Cunha is expected to be available for most of the season. Compared to other big-money signings in the past, this is seen as a calculated and manageable risk.

What Does This Mean for Manchester United?

Cunha’s arrival could mean tactical tweaks and increased competition for attacking places. His presence gives Amorim the option to play dual strikers, a false nine system, or a three-pronged fluid front line.

With United aiming to challenge for top honors again, Cunha’s creativity and Premier League pedigree bring both excitement and responsibility. The Red Devils are banking on his potential to evolve from a promising talent into a world-class forward.

Conclusion

Matheus Cunha’s transfer to Manchester United is more than just another high-profile move—it’s a bold step by the club to invest in a forward who brings versatility, flair, and hunger. At 25, Cunha is entering his prime, and Old Trafford could be the perfect stage for his transformation into a global star.

As fans eagerly await his debut, the spotlight is now firmly on the Brazilian to deliver on the promise that has followed him throughout his European journey. Will he rise to the occasion? Only time will tell—but the stage is set, and the Theatre of Dreams is ready.