Manchester United have announced the £62.5million signing of attacker Matheus Cunha from Wolves on a five-year deal.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Cunha had completed his move to the 20-time champions of English football at the start of June, and the club have now shared snaps of the striker in their new kit for the very first time.
Cunha, 26, passed his medical last month and is United’s first statement of intent in a big summer as they seek to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
The Brazilian, who netted 33 times in 92 appearances for Wolves, has spoken of his joy to be moving to a club he has adored since his younger years.
‘It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player,’ Cunha told the club website.
‘Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt. I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.
Matheus Cunha has been unveiled as a Man United player after completing a £62.5m move
The forward becomes Ruben Amorim’s first summer signing and has joined on a five-year deal
Amorim has been desperate to improve United’s attack after an extremely miserable campaign
‘I can’t wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my teammates and prepare for the season ahead. All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team, and helping get this club back to the top.’
United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, who played an integral role in getting the deal over the line, has also expressed his delight.
‘Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window.
Wilcox said: ‘He has proved his ability to succeed in the Premier League as one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolves, and before that in Spain and Germany.
‘He has all the qualities we are looking for as we seek to build a strong, dynamic and entertaining team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.’
Cunha has also taken to Instagram to share a picture of him smiling in a United kit, taken by a disposable camera.
The snap is accompanied by a message to Manchester United fans, in which he he stated ‘It’s all about following your dreams!’
It is believed United will pay Wolves in three instalments of £20.85m over two years after the Molineux club rejected an offer to stagger the payment over five years.
Cunha can be seen adorning the new United home strip which was released earlier in the day
Both sporting director Jason Wilcox (left) and Cunha have expressed delight at the move
The Brazilian striker also took to Instagram to give an eight-word message to United fans
Cunha joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid in January 2023 and scored 33 goals in 92 games
The forward was beaming with delight as he put pen to paper on a deal whch wuns until 2030
And now Cunha can be seen smiling in United’s brand new home kit, which they released to the public earlier in the day.
Cunha enjoyed an impressive individual campaign at Wolves last term, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
His total was significantly higher than any United player managed in the league, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo ending as joint top scorers with eight each.
He was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the season despite signing a new four-year deal with Wolves in February.
‘I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step,’ Cunha said in March. ‘I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.’
Mail Sport revealed last month that United were close to an agreement, while Cunha and Amorim were seen in conversation in April following Wolves’ win at Old Trafford.
Amorim is desperate to bolster United’s attack with Rasmus Hojlund misfiring, while Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho look set to depart.
United only scored 44 league goals, their lowest ever tally in the Premier League era.
But the Portuguese boss won’t have an unlimited transfer fund and will offload players to free up cash, with the majority of his squad available for the right price. Indeed, their budget is understood to be around £125m plus whatever money the club can raise.
Cunha isthe first signing of an expected attacking overhaul at Old Trafford this summer
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked with a summer move to Manchester United
United only managed a dire 44 Premier League goals last year with Rasmus Hojlund struggling
The club are continuing talks for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo after last week’s opening offer of £55m was rejected.
The Red Devils were dealt a blow last weekend when reports emerged that Tottenham were entering the race for the 25-year-old.
However, despite the fact Bees boss Thomas Frank is set to join Spurs, it appears that United remain the attacker’s priority.
