Matheus Cunha is on the verge of becoming Manchester United’s inaugural signing of the summer, as reports suggest that a verbal agreement and personal terms are nearing completion.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward has emerged as an ideal candidate for Ruben Amorim, having showcased his talent in the Midlands this season with an impressive tally of 17 goals and six assists across 32 appearances. His ability to function both as a centre-forward and an attacking midfielder aligns perfectly with Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Given Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal this season, where they have not managed to score more than once in 29 matches, the prospect of a revamped attacking lineup for the upcoming season seems plausible. Additionally, Arsenal is reportedly monitoring Cunha’s situation, with claims that their new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has engaged in discussions with his representatives.
Nevertheless, Manchester United appears poised to secure a significant transfer, with indications that an agreement is imminent to bring the 25-year-old to Old Trafford. According to Goal Brasil’s Valentin Furlan, United is close to activating Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause at Molineux, along with potential add-ons of £5 million.
Cunha would reunite with his national team colleague Casemiro at Old Trafford, while further astute transfer maneuvers by Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox could enhance Cunha’s arrival.
Wolves’ achievements over the last two seasons can largely be attributed to the contributions of Cunha, Pedro Neto, who transferred to Chelsea last summer, and Rayan Ait-Nouri. The attacking wing-back Ait-Nouri has had an outstanding individual season, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after left-backs in European football.
At just 23 years old, he plays a role akin to that of Patrick Dorgu in Vitor Pereira’s 3-4-2-1 formation, having netted five goals and provided seven assists this season. Both Liverpool and Tottenham have shown interest in acquiring the Algeria international, who was also previously considered by Manchester United.
Ait-Nouri stands out statistically, ranking in the top 84th percentile for total shots among his positional counterparts in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the top 87th for assists, 85th for non-penalty expected goals plus assisted goals, 84th for progressive carries, 97th for successful take-ons, and 91st for touches within the attacking penalty area, according to data from FBREF.
Wolves are reportedly making efforts to secure a new contract for their star player in order to retain him at the club. However, Manchester United is well aware that Cunha recently signed a new contract at the beginning of the year and is likely to depart regardless.
Additionally, Ait-Nouri has made a significant career move by signing with the CAA Stellar agency, which also represents notable players such as Morgan Gibbs-White, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ibrahima Konate. According to French publication Fennec News, this change is intended to pave the way for a potential transfer this summer, although the outcome remains uncertain.
While the left wing-back position may not be a primary focus for United following Dorgu’s acquisition in January and the rise of Harry Amass, Ait-Nouri stands out as a player who aligns well with United’s system. At just 23 years old, he embodies the profile that the recruitment team is actively seeking at Old Trafford.
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