Man Utd agree structured £62.5m transfer with long-term contract in place | OneFootball

Man Utd agree £62.5m deal for Wolves forward as Amorim rebuild begins

Cunha set for Old Trafford switch in deal structured around FFP limits

Manchester United are closing in on their first major signing of the summer, with Wolves forward Matheus Cunha expected to finalise a £62.5m move to Old Trafford. As reported by TeamTalk, United have reached a verbal agreement with all parties and will activate the Brazilian’s release clause, though crucially in structured instalments that help the club navigate Financial Fair Play constraints.

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The deal is seen as a smart piece of business for a club under pressure both financially and competitively. Despite the high price tag, United have avoided an immediate lump sum outlay, instead striking terms with Wolves that spread the payments over multiple seasons.

According to Fabrizio Romano, “Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties involved. Cunha will sign deal until June 2030 with an option until 2031. Wolves to receive £62.5m clause value in instalments. Formal steps/contracts to be checked next week.”

New No.10 as Amorim builds his system

Cunha is expected to take the number 10 shirt, with CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs confirming: “Exclusive: Matheus Cunha has agreed a five-year contract with #MUFC. Manchester United will now approach Wolves this week. Cunha has a £62.5m clause. Cunha expected to wear No.10 at #MUFC if all goes to plan.”

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The Brazilian forward fits the tactical vision of manager Ruben Amorim, who wants him to operate as one of two number 10s in his preferred system. Cunha’s ability to drop deep, link play, and travel with the ball makes him an ideal candidate for the attacking overhaul Amorim is pursuing.

With Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all out on loan and expected to leave, United’s need for a creative forward who can carry the ball and offer balance across the pitch has become more pressing.

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Neville backs Cunha to thrive under Amorim

Former United captain Gary Neville has endorsed the club’s move for Cunha, telling Sky Sports News:“Man Utd are desperate in that position. You think of what Manchester United are playing now, they’ve let Jadon Sancho go, they’ve let Rashford go, they’ve let Antony go, so three players who are natural players who travel with the ball.

“They need someone who can beat players, who’s equally as good running through the middle with the ball and travelling with the ball, and go out wide and support the wing-back. He’s a type of player that you could see Manchester United being interested in, that would suit this system that Ruben Amorim wants to play.”

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Neville added that United’s biggest issue in 2024/25 was goalscoring, saying:“They need to score goals. Ruben Amorim said at the weekend we’re just struggling to score goals, so you need players who can take risks, good in the final third, and Cunha’s got a lot of ability.”

Club’s intent clear ahead of major summer rebuild

This move signals Manchester United’s intent to reshape their attacking unit with players who can match the energy and precision required by Amorim’s style. Cunha, still only 25, offers versatility across the forward line and has been a standout performer for Wolves since arriving in the Premier League.

Despite the disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League final defeat to Spurs, United’s early movement in the transfer window reflects a proactive approach to recruitment and a belief that better execution off the pitch can translate into stability on it.

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After a dreadful campaign that saw United finish 15th and end trophyless again, they desperately needed a statement signing, and Matheus Cunha fits the bill.

Yes, £62.5m is a lot of money, but let’s be honest, they’ve spent more on far less convincing players. The fact that the club has structured the deal cleverly around PSR rules and still got a “here we go” from Romano tells you things are being handled differently now. That’s a step forward.

More importantly, Cunha is the right profile. He brings energy, he’s technically gifted, and he can operate across positions — exactly what Amorim’s fluid system demands. Wearing the number 10 shirt gives the move even more weight. It suggests faith in him becoming a central piece of the rebuild.

Neville is absolutely right. United have been too flat and predictable in attack, relying too heavily on moments rather than method. Cunha might not be the biggest name out there, but he’s got the skill set to link midfield and attack, carry the ball forward, and break lines.

If this is the tone United are setting for the summer window, then finally, just maybe, they’re heading in the right direction again.