Manchester United beat Chelsea and Liverpool to sign Europe’s most wanted 25-year-old striker for £60M

In a stunning development that could redefine Manchester United’s ambitions ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, the Red Devils have agreed to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha in a high-profile deal worth £62.5 million. The move marks United’s first significant piece of business this summer—and what a statement it is.

Cunha, a 25-year-old Brazilian striker, has emerged as one of the most sought-after attacking talents across Europe after a sensational individual campaign with Wolves. His form attracted interest from several European giants, including Chelsea and Liverpool, but it’s United who have won the race for his signature.

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are expected to activate Cunha’s release clause in the coming days, with the striker likely to undergo a medical later this week. Club insiders suggest that personal terms have already been agreed, and only final paperwork remains.

The deal is structured to be paid in three instalments, each around £20.85 million, spread across two years—making the move financially manageable for the club, despite missing out on UEFA Champions League revenue next season.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Cunha has already verbally committed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford, which includes an optional sixth year. He’s expected to earn a significant wage increase as part of the deal, although still within the club’s new wage structure that prioritizes performance incentives.

Manchester United are planning to unveil Cunha officially within the next 24 hours, barring any late hitches. The club’s media team is already preparing promotional content ahead of the announcement.

For manager Erik ten Hag, this deal represents much more than a marquee signing—it’s a tactical fix. United struggled with consistency up front throughout the 2024/25 season, often lacking the finishing quality needed in tight games. Cunha, known for his intelligent movement, pace, and clinical edge, offers a different profile to Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford.

The Brazilian’s ability to press from the front and link up play is also expected to suit Ten Hag’s preferred system. His versatility—being able to play as a lone striker, second striker, or even on the flanks—adds another layer of tactical flexibility.

Chelsea and Liverpool were both firmly in the race to land Cunha, with reports suggesting that Jurgen Klopp’s departure and Chelsea’s uncertain striker hierarchy pushed the player towards United. Cunha is believed to have been impressed by United’s project and Ten Hag’s personal intervention in the transfer talks.

United fans have taken to social media in excitement, welcoming Cunha and celebrating what could be the start of a new attacking era at the club. His arrival ends speculation linking United to several less consistent strikers across Europe, signaling a more focused transfer strategy.

But the summer business is far from over. United are still in active talks with Brentford over a move for Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo. The 25-year-old finished last season with 20 league goals and seven assists, catching the attention of top clubs across Europe.

Brentford have slapped a £50 million valuation on Mbeumo, and while United are keen, they may need to offload players to raise funds. Nonetheless, Erik ten Hag is believed to be a big admirer of the winger’s dynamism and goal threat.

Additionally, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap remains on United’s radar. The youngster has a £30 million release clause and has shown promising flashes of elite potential. United’s scouts reportedly view him as a future star, even if he’s unlikely to start regularly next season.

Should United complete all three offensive signings—Cunha, Mbeumo, and Delap—the total outlay would be close to £150 million. That would make this summer one of the most expensive in the club’s history, even without the revenues typically associated with Champions League participation.

To fund these deals, several senior players could be sold. One name already generating headlines is Bruno Fernandes. The club captain is reportedly considering a lucrative three-year contract offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, worth around £200 million in total value.

United would find it difficult to reject a bid in the region of £100 million for Fernandes, especially as his form has been inconsistent in recent months and the squad needs restructuring. Selling him would ease financial pressure and allow for reinvestment.

Ten Hag is also keen on bolstering other areas of the squad, including midfield and goalkeeping. With David De Gea now fully departed and André Onana struggling for consistency, the club is exploring options for a new goalkeeper, preferably someone with better command of their area.

The absence of European football next season might ironically work in United’s favor. With a lighter fixture list, the club can focus on domestic competitions and give new signings time to adapt without the pressure of midweek continental games.

For now, though, all eyes are on Matheus Cunha. His arrival could be the spark United need to turn the page on a difficult season. And with Ten Hag still trusted to lead the rebuild, the club’s intent is clear—they’re not settling for mediocrity.

As Old Trafford braces for a new chapter, the message from the club is loud and clear: Manchester United are building again, and they mean business.