‘You never know’ - £35m Premier League star drops Man Utd transfer hint as Ruben Amorim bold rebuild begins

Manchester United have expressed a strong desire to sign 11-time Brazil international Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old attacker has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season with an incredible tally of seven goals and three assists in his opening 12 league matches.

Cunha has been involved in 50% of Wolves' twenty goals this term and has been a catalyst for the team’s recent mini revival with crucial goals and assists against Southampton and Fulham in recent weeks.

He currently sits joint fourth in the goal-scoring charts alongside Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson despite playing for a team that is struggling at the wrong end of the table. TBR Football understands that Manchester United have been keeping close tabs on the former Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig frontman throughout the season as new manager Ruben Amorim aims to bolster his team’s attacking options.

However, the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit of Cunha and both Tottenham Hotspur and Italian title contenders Napoli are also believed to be monitoring the player closely. Manchester United’s interest in Cunha dates back to his days at Atletico Madrid when he had been touted as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Shortly after joining Wolves, Manchester United again expressed an interest in signing Cunha from Molinuex over the summer, but the move never materialised as Zirkzee arrived instead.

Commenting on the situation, Cunha told Manchester Evening News: “"You know it's a real honour to have your name linked to Manchester United.

"One of the biggest clubs in the world. But I'm happy at Wolves. If I'm lucky, I play another good season, but the window is open, you never know. I always want to show that (the affection) is reciprocated. Then we see that talk (Manchester United). But I’m very happy at Wolves. The focus now is on having better seasons and helping the club. God willing, I'll continue on this path."

What would Matheus Cunha bring to Manchester United?

Manchester United are currently the fourth lowest scorers in the entire Premier League with just 13 goals in their opening 12 matches. Only Crystal Palace, Everton and newly promoted Southampton have found the net less this season.

Summer signing Zirkzee has failed to hit the ground running with just one goal this season and the Dutchman currently finds himself on a 17-game drought without finding the net in all competitions.

The 23-year-old is already being written off by some sections of the Red Devils fan base, while reports have even claimed that Ruben Amorim is already planning to cash in on him.

However, Manchester United’s issues in front of goal stretch back much further than Zirkzee’s arrival. Last season’s tally of 57 goals in 38 games was the worst of any team inside the top half, while the team’s 2022/23 record of 58 goals was also significantly lower than many of the team’s around them.

Cunha is a player that has proven he is capable of solving that problem and is blessed with the ability to score all types of different goals, whether it be from distance or inside the penalty area.

The Brazilian can play all across the front three and is also renowned for his excellent ability to run in behind defences and create chances for his team mates.