Manchester United has taken its first major step in rebuilding for the upcoming season by announcing the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha this Thursday. The striker arrives from Wolverhampton Wanderers after the English giants triggered his release clause, valued at £62.5 million (around $79 million USD).

At 26 years old, Cunha has signed a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2030, with the option to extend for an additional year. The forward, who developed his career in Europe and has played in both the German and Spanish leagues, became a key offensive asset for Wolves since joining the Premier League.

United goes all in: $79 million for Cunha

This is no minor deal. Matheus Cunha registered 33 goals and 15 assists in 92 matches with Wolverhampton, showing significant development since his arrival in January 2023. Initially signed on loan, his performance quickly convinced Wolves to purchase him permanently that same summer for €50 million.

In addition to his club performance, Cunha has recently been called up to the Brazilian national team, contributing one goal and one assist in the last two matches—further boosting his international profile.

“It’s hard to put into words what I feel now that I’m a Manchester United player,” said Cunha in his first interview with the club. “Since I was a kid watching the Premier League on my mom’s TV back in Brazil, United was always my favorite English team. I’ve always dreamed of wearing this shirt,” he added emotionally. The striker also expressed his eagerness to begin working with the squad: “I can’t wait to start preseason, meet my new teammates, and work hard to help the team get back to where it belongs.”

This signing signals the beginning of a new era for the Red Devils, who will not participate in European competitions next season after finishing a disappointing 15th in the Premier League. The club’s board hopes that under Rúben Amorim's leadership, the team can rebuild with strategic reinforcements.

Cunha’s arrival is just the beginning of what looks to be a busy summer in Manchester, as the club aims to return to the top tier of English and European football.