Man United’s £62.5M Matheus Cunha Raid Traced Back to One Game-Changing Moment, Says Club Legend
Matheus Cunha’s departure from Wolves to Manchester United marks one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer window, with the Red Devils activating his £62.5 million release clause. Wolves, while losing a key figure in their attack, were content with the structure of the deal—particularly its swift execution early in the window, sparing them a prolonged transfer saga.
Despite Cunha’s suspension during parts of the 2024/25 campaign, his impact was undeniable. He registered 21 goal contributions in the league, regularly shifting the momentum of matches in Wolves’ favour. His flair, directness, and power made him a standout talent in the Premier League.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand weighed in on the signing, identifying a specific moment when the Old Trafford hierarchy may have made their minds up. Speaking on his YouTube channel, *Rio Ferdinand Presents*, he pinpointed Cunha’s electrifying performance during Wolves’ 1-0 win at Old Trafford as the decisive factor.
“He was cutting through United’s defence like a knife through butter. The pace, the strength—he looked unstoppable,” Ferdinand said, recalling Cunha’s dominant display that day.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Cunha had also tormented the Red Devils during Wolves’ 2-0 Boxing Day victory at Molineux, scoring from a corner and delivering a relentless performance that left United’s backline scrambling.

Following the Old Trafford match, Ruben Amorim was seen warmly interacting with Cunha—perhaps foreshadowing the move. The attacker’s blend of physicality and flair clearly left a lasting impression on United’s recruitment team.
Now under pressure to make a difference at a club undergoing significant changes, Cunha will look to replicate that same game-changing energy for Manchester United. His arrival comes as the Red Devils face a transitional period, having finished the 2024/25 season level on points with Wolves—a fact that underlines the urgency behind his signing.
Whether Cunha lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Manchester United believe they’ve secured a forward capable of rewriting games—and perhaps their fortunes.