Matheus Cunha’s £62.5million move to Manchester United is edging ever closer
Manchester United are close to securing the £62.5million signing of Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
The Manchester Evening News brought you pictures of the Brazil international in Manchester over the weekend where it is believed his representatives and United have been putting the finishing touches on his move to Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old has now jetted off to South America to join up with the Brazil squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay but his move to Manchester is expected to be announced in the coming days.
It was revealed in April that Cunha was United’s number one target to fill one of the attacking midfield spots in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation and the club have moved quickly to secure his signature.
United have activated his £62.5million release clause and his 17 goals and six assists for Wolves this season make him an exciting addition to the club’s attacking options.
But with Cunha’s arrival pretty much signed, sealed and delivered, the question now is what United’s next transfer this summer will look like.
Bruno Fernandes decision
One of United’s next priorities will be sorting the future of captain Bruno Fernandes, one way or the other.
United would ideally like to keep their player of the season and the task of trying to replace not only the influence Fernandes has on this United side, but also the 19 goals and 20 assists he registered this season will not be easy.
But the Manchester Evening News have already revealed that the club will listen to all offers for their players this summer and, as talk of a £100m move to Al-Hilal intensify, the 30-year-old is said to be seriously considering his future.
United need clarity over Fernandes’ future. If he is staying then they will build the team around their talisman. If he is leaving, then they need to find a quality replacement as soon as possible.
Striker move
As of now, United’s immediate priority in the transfer market is to sign a new forward. United had eyed up Liam Delap as their new forward for next season, with his £30million release clause and age profile making him an attractive proposition.
But the 22-year-old has chosen to join Chelsea instead, with that move set to be completed before the 12-goal striker jets off to Slovakia for the 2025 European under-21 championships.
Now United must look elsewhere, with the likes of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and Juventus goalscorer Dusan Vlahovic set to be on the market this summer.
Sales, sales and more sales
United will need to sell players to buy the personnel Amorim wants to carry out his philosophy next season.
Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho have all impressed away from United on loan and the club have made their sales a priority this summer.
United hope to get in the region of £45million for Rashford, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona and £32million for Antony, who has Atletico Madrid and Real Betis among his suitors. If Chelsea pay the £25million obligation in Sancho’s loan then that will recoup £92million straight off the bat.
Alejandro Garnacho has been told he can leave United, with Chelsea and Napoli said to be interested, while Tyrell Malacia is surplus to requirements after an underwhelming loan spell with PSV.
Casemiro is in the last year of his contract and could be sold this summer, while Kobbie Mainoo could also be moved on if he does not sign a new deal this summer.
And then there is the possibility that one of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee move on, too.
