With Matheus Cunha emerging as a priority target, Manchester United are quietly plotting a clever deal that could land the Brazilian without triggering his hefty release clause.
Manchester United’s issues in finding back of the net remain unresolved, even with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee leading the line this season.
While both offer promise and potential, neither has yet provided the consistency required to bring United back into contention at top table of the Premier League.
As Rúben Amorim begins his first summer transfer window in charge for United, strengthening the forward remains high on his agenda.
The club has already been linked with a number of attacking options, including Liam Delap, Viktor Gyökeres, Hugo Ekitiké, and Victor Osimhen.
All four are viewed as potential additions to increase depth, competition, and attacking flexibility ahead of the new campaign.
But Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has now emerged as a leading target, with United exploring a deal that wouldn’t trigger his release clause.
United exploring alternative structure in Cunha pursuit
With attacking reinforcements a top priority, Man United are already making early moves in the market and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has quickly risen to the top of their shortlist.
According to The Athletic, United have stepped up their interest in Matheus Cunha, with GiveMeSport reporting that the club recently held talks with the Brazilian’s representatives as they explore the possibility of a move.
The 25-year-old has a £62.5 million release clause written into the contract he signed at Molineux earlier this year. But rather than activating it outright, which would require the full amount to be paid upfront, United are believed to be pursuing a more strategic approach.
It has been suggested that the Red Devils are confident a separate payment structure could be negotiated, allowing them to spread the cost over time while still matching Wolves’ overall valuation, which would be a very clever deal for United to pull off.
This is a similar approach to United’s deal for Joshua Zirkzee with Bologna last summer. Although he had a £34 million release clause, United agreed to pay £36 million and spread the payment over multiple seasons in order to avoid paying a lump sum.
Cunha’s ability to operate across the front line, coupled with his Premier League experience and aggressive pressing style, makes him an ideal fit for the profile Amorim is looking to add.
If an agreement can be reached, Cunha could become a key addition in United’s push to reshape their attacking identity under Amorim.
Cunha’s profile could unlock Amorim’s attacking blueprint
Cunha may not be the most prolific striker in the Premier League, but his dynamism, work rate, and technical quality make him a compelling fit for Rúben Amorim’s fluid attacking system.
Comfortable operating across the front line or in a supporting role, Cunha thrives when given the freedom to roam — a trait that could complement the likes of Højlund and Zirkzee rather than compete with them.
What United have lacked in recent seasons is not just a finisher but a forward who can link up play, press with intensity, and adapt to different attacking setups. Cunha ticks many of those boxes.
He wouldn’t arrive as the leading man but as a key piece of a larger puzzle for Amorim and INEOS to restore United’s attacking identity and consistency.
Whether a deal can be struck remains to be seen, but United’s growing interest signals they’re thinking carefully about more than just goals — they’re thinking about system and evolution.
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