Manchester United reportedly pursuing star eyed as Ruben Amorim’s missing piece

Manchester United is reportedly closing in on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in a deal that could reshape Ruben Amorim’s attack. 

The Brazilian’s $83M release clause is no small fee, but, per the Manchester Evening News, sources claim Cunha is "optimistic" a deal can be struck as the clubs plans to offload Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho ahead of the summer transfer window.  

Amorim has already praised Cunha

Amorim has long admired Cunha’s blend of flair and grit. 

Before United’s recent 1-0 defeat to Wolves, the Portuguese boss praised, “[Wolves coach Vitor Pereira] ... has real quality players – Cunha and all these guys, they have real quality.” 

Cunha’s 16 goals this season, many from a No. 10 role, align perfectly with Amorim’s love for dynamic, multi-functional attackers.  

Cunha isn’t just a finisher. His ability to drop deep, link play and burst into the box mirrors Amorim’s “wide 10” system, where fluidity trumps fixed positions. Imagine Cunha slotting behind a striker like Liam Delap, another reported target for Manchester United, swapping passes with Bruno Fernandes or drifting wide to overload defenses. At Wolves, he’s thrived in a 3-4-3 formation, something Amorim has tinkered with all season.  

While Cunha offers versatility, Delap, a $40M target, embodies the classic No. 9 profile Amorim seems to want both. Amorim seems to envision Cunha as a No. 10 and Delap as the lone striker. This dual coup could solve United’s creativity and goal-scoring woes, as it has clearly lacked goals this season, but a Cunha-Delap partnership hinges on nailing the chemistry between the two.

The financial puzzle

Funding Cunha’s move requires sacrifices. 

Rashford’s likely exit with Aston Villa, expected to trigger a $53M clause, frees funds, but his departure would also vacate the No. 10 shirt, a symbolic gift for Cunha, who’s worn it at Hertha Berlin and Wolves. 

Currently on loan, Sancho and Antony are also expected to leave on permanent transfers. Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, despite flashes of promise, could become collateral damage to ease Financial Fair Play pressures, as he is yet to sign a new deal. 

Why the move would make sense

Cunha isn’t just a stopgap; he’s a statement for Manchester United. 

His work rate, tactical IQ and knack for clutch goals would inject the tenacity United’s attack lacks. For fans tired of static forwards, his marauding style offers a thrill. Pairing him with Delap’s raw power could recreate the unpredictability of United’s glory days, when attackers swapped roles seamlessly.  

Cunha’s adaptability is his superpower. At United, he wouldn’t just fill a role but fill major gap at the club. Whether threading passes as a 10, poaching goals up top or stretching defenses wide, his contributions could be the spark United needs.

Amorim’s rebuild demands risk, and Cunha, with his Premier League pedigree and point to prove, might just be the gamble worth taking.