Pereira's star Brazilian signals green light to Man Utd... Now it's time to find some money!
23 April 2025, Wednesday 09:09Last Update:
Manchester United are reportedly nearing a deal for Wolves' in-form attacker Matheus Cunha, who is keen on the move. Ruben Amorim sees the productive Brazilian as a key target. Funding the £62.5m fee relies heavily on selling players like Marcus Rashford. Cunha's strong performances for Wolves make him attractive, while alternative target Victor Osimhen has impressed on loan at Galatasaray, who are keen to sign him permanently, adding another layer to United's striker considerations.
Manchester United are intensifying their pursuit of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, with the club reportedly close to agreeing terms with the player. The 25-year-old Brazilian is understood to be receptive to a move to Old Trafford, providing a significant boost to United's transfer plans. New head coach Ruben Amorim has identified Cunha as a priority signing for the crucial No. 10 position, recognizing his explosive attacking talent and ability to operate effectively across the forward line – attributes United are keen to add to their squad.
Cunha's current season at Wolves has been notable, with his performance statistics highlighting his importance to the team through goals and assists, demonstrating the kind of immediate impact United are seeking. His experience across various European leagues also suggests a strong character capable of adapting to the demands of a top club. While there have been instances of disciplinary issues, these are viewed as occasional lapses rather than a fundamental character flaw, with potential for this fiery edge to be positively channeled.
Securing Cunha's signature, however, is contingent on Manchester United raising the necessary funds to meet his £62.5 million release clause. This financial maneuver is expected to involve the sale of several current players. Marcus Rashford is among the most prominent players who could depart. Currently on loan at Aston Villa with a £40 million option to buy, a sale to another club could command a higher fee.
Offloading Rashford, who commands a significant weekly wage of approximately £365,000, would also free up substantial salary overhead, potentially providing United with close to £100 million in combined transfer fee and wage savings, largely covering the cost of Cunha's acquisition and his likely increased salary at Old Trafford. It is understood that Rashford does not foresee himself playing for United under the current management due to a strained relationship.
Other players whose sales could contribute to the transfer budget include Jadon Sancho, Antony, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund. Sancho, on loan at Chelsea with an obligation to buy for £22m-£25m that can be reduced to £5m if he returns to United, would likely command a minimum asking price of £20m if he were to return to Old Trafford before a sale. His departure could largely finance a move for Amorim's preferred centre-forward target, Liam Delap, who has a £30 million release clause should Ipswich face relegation, which appears highly probable.
Antony, who has had a successful loan spell at Real Betis since January, is hoped to fetch at least £30 million, a considerable recoup on the £81.5 million fee paid for him in 2022. The departure of Casemiro, with a year remaining on his substantial £370,000-a-week contract, would generate a nominal transfer fee, while Højlund could command around £30 million.
