Manchester United have submitted their most recent official squad list, but it did not contain the name of Matheus Cunha despite their transfer agreement.
At the beginning of the month, Manchester United confirmed they had reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the transfer of Matheus Cunha in a deal worth £62.5 million.
He is set to become Rúben Amorim’s first signing of the summer and a key piece in United’s plans to rebuild their squad early in the window, signing a five-year contract with the Reds.
Cunha is seen as an important upgrade to a misfiring front line that has struggled for goals and consistency. His dynamic pace, intelligent movement, and ability to play across multiple attacking roles are expected to give United greater attacking depth and fluidity.
The transfer fee will be paid in three instalments, beginning with an initial £20.8 million upon the completion of the deal, with the remaining payments spread across the next year.
Now 26, Cunha is expected to slot into the left side of United’s front three, moving ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in the pecking order. The Argentine’s future appears to lie away from United as interest from top clubs both across England and abroad continues to grow.
Why Cunha was not included in United’s recent squad list
On Monday afternoon, the club issued a full squad update, confirming that nine players are set to leave once their contracts expire at the end of June, with Victor Lindelöf, Christian Eriksen, and Jonny Evans among those to depart.
United also confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton and Academy forward Aston Missin are in discussions over new contracts.
However, despite their agreement with Wolves over Cunha, the Brazilian was not included in the latest squad list.
There is no cause for concern, as Cunha’s omission from the list is simply because although the deal has been agreed upon, his contract has yet to be signed, and he has not yet been officially registered as a United player.
These final steps will take place once he returns from international duty, with Brazil set to face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match on Wednesday morning at 01:45 BST.
United hoping to complete multiple signings this month
Aside from Cunha, United are also hoping to complete several more signings before the end of June, ahead of the start of pre-season next month.
Although United had a bid worth £55 million rejected by Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo last week, there is still confidence that a final deal will be reached, with United readying a second bid in the hope that it will conclude negotiations.
The club also want to sign a new striker and midfielder, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen both consistently linked with moves to Old Trafford.
There is also scope for a new centre-back and goalkeeper signing if funds allow, depending on who is sold.
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