United’s Swift Move for Cunha
Manchester United secured their first summer signing by triggering Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause from Wolverhampton Wanderers on June 1, 2025, per The Independent. The 26-year-old Brazilian, who signed a five-year contract with an optional one-year extension, completed his medical and is set to join Brazil’s national team under Carlo Ancelotti, alongside Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and United’s Casemiro, per Sky Sports. Cunha’s 33 goals in 92 appearances for Wolves, including 15 in the 2024/25 Premier League, made him a prime target, per Opta. Despite United’s 15th-place finish and lack of European football, Cunha chose Old Trafford, snubbing Newcastle’s Champions League prospects, per The Mail Online.
Newcastle’s Missed Opportunity
Newcastle United had identified Cunha as a “top target” due to his versatility across forward and midfield roles, aligning with Eddie Howe’s preference for multi-positional players, per The Mail Online. Cunha’s close bond with Guimaraes, evidenced by social media interactions like “My G” and “What a player,” and his friendship with Joelinton, added appeal, per The Sun. However, Cunha’s early preference for United, confirmed by his agent’s negotiations in May, left Newcastle empty-handed despite their Champions League qualification, per The Athletic. On X, @NUFCblogcouk lamented the miss, noting Cunha’s “perfect fit” for Howe’s system.
Cunha’s Fit at United
Ruben Amorim sees Cunha as a dynamic No. 10 in his 3-4-2-1 system, leveraging his 3.81 shots per 90 minutes and 1.52 shots on target, outpacing United’s Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, per SI.com. His ability to drift into pockets, creating 2.1 open-play chances per game, addresses United’s attacking woes (30 league goals in 2024/25), per The Athletic. Despite concerns about his temperament, including a March red card, Cunha’s 17 goals and 6 assists last season highlight his potential to transform United, per BBC Sport. Bruno Fernandes welcomed him, posting, “Let’s get to work, brother!” per The Mirror.
Newcastle’s Next Steps
With Cunha gone, Newcastle are pivoting to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals in 2024/25, as a right-wing replacement for Miguel Almiron, sold to Atlanta United in January, per The Independent. United also eye Mbeumo, complicating Newcastle’s plans, per GIVEMESPORT. Howe’s focus on versatile players persists, with Guimaraes (7 goals, 8 assists) and Joelinton central to their Champions League campaign, per WhoScored. On X, @TheMagpieGroup_ urged Newcastle to “move fast” for Mbeumo to avoid another transfer setback. The Magpies’ transfer strategy now hinges on outpacing rivals, per The Mail Online.
What’s Next?
Cunha’s visa and registration delays mean his United debut may wait until after Brazil’s internationals, per The Mirror. United’s next targets include Mbeumo and Liam Delap, though Chelsea lead for Delap, per The Independent. Newcastle, preparing for their Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk, must bolster their attack to compete, per The Sun. Cunha’s move, a club-record sale for Wolves, fuels United’s rebuild, but his integration will be key, per Sky Sports. @FabrizioRomano on X called it a “statement signing” for Amorim’s vision.
