New Cunha to United transfer timeline as Amorim makes 'private' request
All the latest Manchester United news as Ruben Amorim prepares to make his first signing of the summer
It has been set out exactly when Manchester United plan to wrap up a deal for Matheus Cunha. The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is a priority target for United as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his frontline.
Cunha, who sees his contract at Molineux expire in June 2029, has featured 31 times in the Premier League this season, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists. Playing a key role in Vitor Pereira's side, he steered Wolves away from a relegation battle.
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The 25-year-old's impressive performances certainly haven't gone unnoticed, with lots of top clubs said to be chasing his signature. The Manchester Evening News understands United are keen to bring the player to Old Trafford and The Times say United are confident they're leading the race to sign Cunha.
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The report claims that the club are willing to trigger the ÂŁ64.5m release clause in his contract when the season ends. On Sunday afternoon, marking the end of the campaign, United will lock horns with Aston Villa at Old Trafford while Wolves face Brentford at Molineux.
Then, United will look to agree on personal terms with the Brazil international. The Times add that Amorim has privately indicated to higher-ups at Old Trafford that he wants to significantly bolster his attacking options, with Cunha being one of several players on his shortlist.
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In an interview with the Observer in March, Cunha said he told Wolves he needs to 'take the next step' and compete for silverware. He later clarified his comments in a video on social media, claiming people did not have the 'correct interpretation'.
"It's impossible for the player to be honest in an interview knowing that everything can be taken in any way he wants," Cunha said, as quoted by the BBC. "I don't think a lot of people read the interview, and I don't think that people have the correct interpretation.
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"Of course the point was talking about Wolves, to show everyone how happy I am to be here, to play for this team, to play for these team-mates and of course give back all the love that they give to me.
"Ambitious players, of course we want to play for something more, to put this club in another level, and of course me and my team-mates will give our all to achieve this goal."
More recently, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira insisted that Cunha remains committed to the Midlands side despite interest from United. Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday night's clash against Crystal Palace, the 56-year-old said: "I have the same information as you.
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"I donât know. I just know heâs my player. Heâs committed with the team, heâs working with happiness, and we will see what happens. You must ask him. He is happy. I feel he is happy."
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football programme, Jamie Carragher described Cunha as a 'great signing' for United. The former Liverpool defender said: "'I think it's a great signing. I think he's a brilliant player.
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"I love watching him play. We are going to pick our Team of the Season tonight, but he was in my team at the halfway point of the season. He had a great start to the season.
"'I watched him at Man City a few weeks ago and he looked really sharp, quick. We know how the manager at Manchester United wants to play. He likes two sort of number 10s in his team and I think he's fit perfectly."
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