Matheus Cunha has revealed why he chose to join Manchester United despite considerable interest from Arsenal in the last 12 months.
Manchester United officially announced on Thursday afternoon that they have completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £62.5 million.
The Brazilian forward becomes Rúben Amorim’s first signing of the summer and a central figure in United’s plans to overhaul their squad early in the transfer window, having agreed to a five-year deal.
Cunha is seen as a significant upgrade to an attacking unit that has lacked cutting edge and consistency. His speed, intelligent movement, and versatility across the front line are expected to inject variety and fluidity into United’s attacking play.
The transfer fee will be paid in three instalments, beginning with an initial £20.8 million and followed by two further payments over the next 12 months.
At 26, Cunha is expected to take up a role on the left side of United’s front three, likely pushing Alejandro Garnacho out of the starting XI. Garnacho’s exit is looking increasingly probable amid rising interest from clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe.
Cunha explains the perfect reason he wanted to join United
While Cunha’s love for United has been no secret, he has been subject to intense interest from Arsenal in the last 12 months, and considering that Mikel Arteta’s squad is a much more established title challenger and have Champions League next season, it may be the more sensible option.
However, Cunha has explained that the reason he chose United over any other club is “a little bit complicated,” and is down to the fact that he feels United are a unique club in world football, which is a perfect answer.
“Honestly, it’s hard to find the words to say about this moment,” Cunha started. “But, yeah, of course, the most common phrase that you can say at this moment is ‘the dream has come true’. Honestly, it’s hard to understand you are here already, but yeah, the dream has come true.”
Contingin later on, Cunha said: “I think my decision [to join United] maybe outside, they don’t understand, it was a little bit complicated.
“But, for me, no one is like United, you know. I know it was a hard season for everyone, but I think my decision shows a lot what this club is to me.”
Cunha knows he must become more mature at United
While the 26-year-old is a very talented player, there have been worries about his temperament, with the player handed a multiple-game ban for flaring up with Wolves last season.
However, Cunha himself knows this, and has admitted that he is well aware that he needs to be mature while wearing United’s shirt,” he continued.
Read More: “I remember…” Matheus Cunha reveals secret reason why he asked for Manchester United No. 10 shirt
“I think everything that happens in my life now is much better, because I think I’m a little bit more mature.
“Of course, I’m someone that tries to learn from the mistakes, from the good things, and of course I think I have a little bit this maturity now, and to go to the national team it is better, to come here was the perfect moment.
Of course, my step needs to be now a little bit more calm, and then of course I’m very happy to do that.”
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.