Man Utd hold talks with targets as transfer plans accelerate | OneFootball

Man Utd in Talks Over Delap and Cunha Transfers Ahead of Crucial Summer

Face-to-face talks signal intent for summer rebuild

Manchester United’s executives have moved decisively in their early transfer planning, holding face-to-face talks with Liam Delap and advancing discussions for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. The Athletic reports that United are aiming to strike while the market remains relatively stable, with both targets seen as complementary additions to a squad that has struggled for consistency in attack.

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Delap, 22, is attracting attention after an eye-catching Premier League debut season with Ipswich Town, where he netted 12 goals. His £30 million release clause, activated by Ipswich’s relegation, presents a relatively low-risk option in a market where valuations are spiralling. Chelsea remain interested, but Delap has already visited United’s facilities and “was given permission by Ipswich Town to travel to Manchester to get a firsthand sense of what a transfer to Old Trafford would entail.”

Cunha deal progressing with payment structure to be confirmed

While Delap is seen as a prospect with potential, Matheus Cunha represents the immediate injection of experience that United crave. The 25-year-old has emerged as a key target, with talks reportedly progressing well on personal terms. As The Athletic notes, “United are also progressing negotiations on Cunha, 25, and there is hope a deal can be struck for when the transfer window opens on June 1.”

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Although United are yet to formalise payment terms with Wolves, the expectation is that the club will proceed with the £62.5 million release clause, likely through a structured payment plan. “The agreement built into Cunha’s contract outlines that the fee is to be paid in three instalments,” and Wolves are understood to be flexible regarding timing.

Financial flexibility independent of Europa League outcome

What is particularly notable is United’s insistence that their ability to finance deals for Delap and Cunha is not contingent on Wednesday’s Europa League final result against Tottenham. Qualification for the Champions League would obviously boost their summer leverage, but United are proceeding as if their plans are independent of that outcome.

Other forward options have been discussed internally, with Bryan Mbeumo, Viktor Gyökeres, and Victor Osimhen all mentioned. However, Delap and Cunha appear to be the club’s priority targets heading into June.

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Let’s be honest. On paper, this looks like a solid start to the transfer window. But for many supporters, the red flags are still flapping. How many times have they seen “talks progressing” or “deal close” only for it to fizzle out or result in an overpaid panic buy? Liam Delap might have potential, but 12 goals in a relegated team? Is that really the calibre United need if they’re aiming to rebuild properly?

Then there’s Cunha. A decent forward, sure, but £62.5 million for someone who isn’t exactly prolific? And with Wolves open to instalments, you wonder if this is more about convenient financing than footballing ambition. It feels like more of the same — chasing mid-tier options when top-level reinforcements are what’s needed.

We keep being told about financial independence from the Europa League final, but if United miss out on the Champions League again, what message does that send to any top-tier talent? And why are they still negotiating payment terms with a club they should have already approached if this deal was a priority?