Man Utd Rejected by Wolves’ Matheus Cunha Despite Offer to Double Wages
Manchester United’s pursuit of a striker has hit a major roadblock after being publicly rejected by Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. The Red Devils had reportedly offered to double Cunha’s wages in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford, but the Brazilian has made it clear that he is happy at Wolves.
Cunha’s Rise at Wolves
Embed from Getty ImagesMatheus Cunha joined Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer for a £44 million fee from Atletico Madrid. Since his arrival, Cunha has been a standout performer under manager Gary O’Neil, netting 12 Premier League goals and impressing with his relentless work rate. His performances quickly caught the attention of Manchester United, who saw him as a potential key addition to their squad.
Manchester United’s Interest
According to The Daily Mirror, Manchester United had extensively scouted Cunha and were prepared to make a significant financial commitment to secure his services. The club reportedly offered to double his £60,000-a-week wages and were willing to meet Wolves’ £60 million valuation of the striker. United’s new owners, the INEOS group led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, were keen to bring in Cunha as part of their plans to bolster the squad.
Cunha’s Response
Despite the lucrative offer, Cunha has expressed his contentment at Wolves. Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte while back in his homeland, Cunha dismissed the idea of moving to Manchester United.
“Whenever I can, I come to accompany you,” Cunha said. “I always want to show that (the affection) is reciprocal. Then we see this rush (Manchester United). But I’m very happy at Wolves. My focus is on resting and making the most of it with my family. I’m very happy at Wolves. The focus now is to have better seasons and help the club. God willing, I will continue on this path.”
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Impact on Manchester United’s Transfer Plans
Cunha’s rejection is a setback for Manchester United, who are actively seeking to strengthen their attacking options. Manager Erik ten Hag has emphasized the need for additional firepower to complement Rasmus Hojlund, who joined the club from Atalanta for £72 million less than a year ago.
“We need to get a striker in to work alongside Rasmus Hojlund,” Ten Hag stated. “I also hope we manage to get another central midfielder and also a replacement for (Raphael) Varane. Then I think things will look very good for next season – with the caveat that the players are fit and stay fit. Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an 11. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes.”
Alternative Targets
With Cunha seemingly off the table, Manchester United will need to explore other options. The club has been linked with several other strikers, including Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen, and Joshua Zirkzee. However, securing these players will not be easy, as they are also attracting interest from other top clubs.
Conclusion
Matheus Cunha’s decision to stay at Wolves is a blow to Manchester United’s transfer plans, but it underscores the player’s commitment to his current club. As the Red Devils continue their search for a striker, they will need to reassess their options and possibly move quickly to secure their targets before the summer transfer window closes. With the pressure on Erik ten Hag to strengthen the squad, Manchester United’s transfer activities will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Man Utd Rejected by Wolves’ Matheus Cunha Despite Offer to Double Wages
