Manchester United are expected to make Wolves star Matheus Cunha their first summer signing under Ruben Amorim in the coming weeks.
After a difficult season in the Premier League, it is clear that Manchester United need a strong summer transfer window to support Ruben Amorim.
In past years, we have become accustomed to United working slowly in the transfer market and failing to get business done early, often leading to panic signings late in the window.
That doesn’t seem like the case heading into the first summer with INEOS’ full team in place, with United moving forward for various deals, but particualrly one for Matheus Cunha.
The Wolves star is the priority target at Old Trafford and various reports have claimed that the Reds are expected to reach an agreement for a transfer ahead of summer window opening.
Can Cunha play in United’s post-season friendlies?
United’s final game of the season comes against Aston Villa on Sunday, 25 May and Cunha is anticipated to become an official United player less than a week later.
The summer transfer window opens on 1 June and everything should be in place for the 26-year-old to be in red on that date.
However, despite the quick nature of the deal, even securing Cunha on the first day of the transfer window will not be in time for him to play in United’s post-season friendly games in the Far East.
The Reds have two games in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong after the season ends but both of these fixtures come at the back-end of May – on the 28th and 30th of the month.
Amorim has confirmed that he will be taking the entire first-team squad for these games, as well as a group of youngsters, but it is impossible for Cunha to attend as well.
Instead, the Brazilian international will meet up with his new teammates when pre-season begins, with United already scheduled to play several games in the United States in July.
Pre-season can be crucial for Amorim and new signings
Amorim has spoken about the importance of pre-season this summer and that includes getting new signings through the door early on.
Having the time to adapt to new teammates and the manager’s style through the summer is almost something alien at United.
But with Cunha almost through the door and other deals moving forward, it feels like a corner is being turned at the club.
A lot of work still needs to be done, but it would certainly be a statement if – as planned – Cunha is confirmed as a United player at the beginning of the window, even if it’s not in time for the first two friendly games of the summer.
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