Manchester United are about to make 'very important' signing Jose Mourinho always wanted
Man Utd are close to a deal for their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are close to securing their first signing of the summer transfer window - and it is one Jose Mourinho would love. United have agreed a package to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, which will see them pay his £62.5 million release clause over three summer windows.
The 26-year-old was identified as a top target by Ruben Amorim and has been granted permission to undergo a medical with the club this week. Cunha scored 15 times and set-up another six goals as he proved to be the talisman in a revitalised Wolves side under Vitor Pereira.
Amorim wants to add attacking talent to his first-team squad this summer and has a preference for players who have already proved they can cope with the athleticism of the Premier League. After they complete a deal for Cunha, United will target both a striker and another attacking midfielder, with interest held in Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo and Eberechi Eze.
Cunha the latest samba star
Manchester United will not only add a player with Premier League experience to their squad when they sign Matheus Cunha, they will also sign a player who has the flair and flamboyance to light up the biggest stages in world football. Cunha was included in Carlo Ancelotti's inaugural Brazil squad earlier in the week, alongside Casemiro and Antony, and is viewed as a player who has the personality and self-belief to get even better.
United have a rich history for getting the best out of maverick attacking talents, and the 26-year-old could be the perfect fit for a side that has lacked confidence under Ruben Amorim. He also has the skills that are sure to win over the Old Trafford crowd. It is something Jose Mourinho was aware of during his time at the club as well. Speaking back in 2018, the Portuguese manager claimed that no team was complete without a Brazilian player and just weeks later, he added Fred to his first-team squad.
"I think that a team without a Brazilian isn't a team,” he told ESPN. “But also, a squad with three or four Brazilian athletes, depending on their profile, cannot make a great team too. I'm kidding! I think their talent is fantastic and the creativity of the Brazilian player cannot be measured. If a European team, like, very European, could have a Brazilian in their squad, it would bring a 'Brazilian thing' to the game and I think that's very important.
“I worked with Brazilian players in every team I coached, and I enjoyed them a lot, everything they can give and also every problem they can create! But honestly, I enjoyed a lot, and who knows we can have a Brazilian in the squad next year. I don't believe it will be Willian, because Chelsea won't make it possible.”