Manchester United moves to hijack Newcastle United transfer target by a swoop deal

Through the summer transfer window, Manchester United moved quickly to make a move. They signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Today, the first day of the June transfer window, Man United finally paid Wolves’ £62.5 million release clause to get Cunha.

The Brazilian player is said to have signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with a chance to add a sixth year. Carlo Ancelotti has put him on the first Brazil national team along with Bruno Guimaraes, a midfielder for Newcastle United, and Casemiro, a midfielder for Manchester United right now.

Manchester United had a terrible season. They ended 15th in the Premier League, which was the worst finish for the club since it was relegated more than 50 years ago. Also, it was only the second time since the ban on English teams was lifted in 1990 that Manchester United did not make it to Europe.

If Manchester United won the Europa League, they would have had a good chance of making it to the Champions League. However, Tottenham Hotspur beat them 1-0 in the final last month. Spurs placed 17th in the Premier League and will now play next season in Europe’s top club league.

Newcastle United was one of the clubs that wanted to sign Cunha after hearing about his release clause and desire to leave Wolves.

The 26-year-old wanted to play for Manchester United, though, and turned down the chance to play in Europe next season. This became clear early on.

Manchester United said in a statement on Sunday, “Manchester United has reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Matheus Cunha.”

“The Brazilian forward can’t sign until he gets a visa and is registered.” The 26-year-old has played 13 times for Brazil at the senior level and scored 72 goals in 270 games for clubs in the English, Spanish, German, and Swiss top leagues.

“Cunha has scored 33 goals in 92 games for Wolves over two and a half seasons.” Manchester United is excited to have Matheus join the team at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha was wanted by Newcastle United.
Mail Online says that Newcastle had been keeping a close eye on Cunha before the summer transfer window opened and had named the Brazilian as a “top target.”

Newcastle was especially interested in Cunha because he could play both forward and midfield. Head coach Eddie Howe wanted to sign players who could play in a variety of roles. People also thought that Cunha’s friendships with fellow countrymen Guimaraes and Joelinton could make things better.

Cunha and Guimaraes often talk on social media. For example, at the end of the 2024–25 season, Guimaraes texted Cunha, “My G,” and “What a player” in response to posts he made.

It’s true that Newcastle will be in the Champions League next season, but Cunha’s decision was already made, and they will now look at their other choices.

Newcastle United has been interested in Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a long time, but they will have to beat out teams like Manchester United to get him. In 2024–25, the winger scored 20 goals for Brentford. He is expected to leave the club this summer while his value is high.

Howe has highlighted the right-wing position as an area Newcastle will look to strengthen this summer after selling Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United in January without bringing in a replacement.