Matheus Cunha Set for Manchester United Move: Wolves Star Prepares for Emotional Exit Amid Mixed Legacy
As Wolverhampton Wanderers step onto the pitch for their final Premier League match of the 2024/25 season against Brentford, the attention is not just on the result, the performance, or the end of another campaign — it’s on a goodbye. Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward who has played a pivotal role for Wolves this season, is expected to make his last appearance for the club before finalizing a much-discussed and increasingly inevitable move to Manchester United.
For many, this moment brings a mixture of pride, sadness, and frustration. Cunha’s story at Molineux is not one of a clean arc. It’s one filled with dazzling performances, discipline issues, critical goals, off-field speculation, and a growing tension between talent and loyalty. His time at Wolves has left an undeniable mark — but it hasn’t been without controversy.
The Making of a Key Player
Since joining Wolves, Cunha has emerged as one of the most technically gifted and influential players in the squad. His ability to create, press, and finish made him central to the way Wolves attacked throughout the 2024/25 season. Whether drifting between the lines or dropping deep to link play, Cunha brought flair and composure to a side that often struggled for consistency.
Statistically, he contributed goals, assists, and key moments that helped Wolves rise up the table after a shaky start. His performances in matches against top-six sides, particularly during Wolves’ six-game winning run earlier in the season, drew national attention. He was frequently praised for stepping up in big games, and for much of the campaign, he was viewed as the spark that ignited Wolves’ offensive potential.
Tensions and Distractions: The Move to United Casts a Shadow
Yet despite his value on the pitch, Cunha’s season was not without complications. Rumors of a move to Manchester United began to surface early in 2025, and they soon gathered pace. By March, reports made it clear that United were serious in their pursuit — and that Cunha was just as eager for the move.
His comments in interviews, where he stated that he wanted to “win trophies” and take the next step in his career, were met with backlash from a section of the Wolves faithful. Many supporters felt betrayed — not because Cunha wanted to progress in his career, but because of how public and untimely his intentions became. The speculation grew louder during a crucial stretch of the season, particularly during Wolves’ six-game winning streak, where focus and unity were paramount.
For some fans, Cunha’s looming exit detracted from what should have been a period of celebration. His performances remained strong, but the constant attention from outside the club, coupled with his own admissions, created a narrative that he was already halfway out the door.
Recognition from Within: Players’ Player of the Season
Despite the external noise, there’s no question about how Cunha was viewed within the dressing room. Earlier this week, the 25-year-old was awarded Players’ Player of the Season, a reflection of the respect and admiration he earned from his teammates. The award, perhaps more than any other, is a testament to what Cunha brought to Wolves on a daily basis — not just in matches, but in training, preparation, and leadership.
At Compton Park, in front of those who had voted for him, Cunha gave a short but heartfelt speech:
“Such a pleasure. (It was) hard. But in the end we did the job. We did what we needed to do and I think everyone showed their quality. We can do many more things, I believe in you guys, thank you very much.”
His message was one of gratitude and belief in the team’s future — a subtle but powerful gesture that showed he still cared, even as he prepared to leave.
Mixed Fan Sentiment: A Tale of Two Awards
While the players celebrated Cunha’s efforts, the fans made a different choice. The Supporters’ Player of the Season went to midfielder João Gomes — a clear sign of how the wider Wolves community viewed Cunha’s situation. For many, Gomes represented consistency, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the badge — values that some felt Cunha had compromised by flirting with Manchester United while still under contract.
Cunha’s Instagram post following the award’s announcement was emotional and sincere. He wrote:
“Thanks for this award player of the season. No words to say how happy I was this season with all of you. Thank you, my colleagues, for being a family in the difficult times and in the wonderful times we spent together. This season will have a different place in my heart. Grateful to God for everything.”
In the comments, his fellow players voiced their support. Andre called him “The best,” and Jorgen Strand Larsen added a simple but emphatic “Toppppp.” It’s clear that, despite the mixed public reception, Cunha has left a lasting impression among those who shared the dressing room with him.
Benched and Bound for United
Cunha’s absence from the starting lineup in midweek against Crystal Palace — a decision made by manager Vítor Pereira — only intensified speculation that his departure was imminent. Some saw it as a way to avoid injury before the transfer, others interpreted it as a consequence of the disruption his situation had caused. Either way, the writing was on the wall.
Now, as Wolves prepare to face Brentford, it’s widely accepted that this will be Cunha’s final appearance. Manchester United may have fallen short in the Europa League final, losing to Tottenham Hotspur, but the Red Devils remain Cunha’s preferred destination. The move is expected to be confirmed early in the summer transfer window, and personal terms are said to be close to completion.
What Comes Next: For Cunha and for Wolves
For Cunha, the next chapter is clear. He joins a club in transition, one that is desperate to reclaim its place at the top of English and European football. Whether he becomes a key piece of that puzzle remains to be seen — but his ambition, confidence, and skill suggest he won’t be content playing a supporting role.
For Wolves, the challenge is more nuanced. Replacing a player of Cunha’s calibre is difficult in any window, let alone during a summer when other holes in the squad also need addressing. More than that, the club must now manage a shift in energy — moving on from a star who defined their season, but also created friction along the way.
There is an emotional gap to bridge between supporters and the club, particularly when it comes to keeping key players, maintaining ambition, and handling exits with clarity and respect. Vítor Pereira will need to rally the squad around a new leader and find new sources of creativity.
A Complicated Legacy
Cunha’s time at Wolves won’t be remembered as clean-cut. He was a hero at times, a lightning rod at others. He was a match-winner, a headline-maker, and — in the end — a symbol of both the club’s growing ambitions and its current limitations.
He leaves with one award, a place in the team’s best moments of the season, and the respect of his teammates. But also with questions about timing, loyalty, and the nature of modern football.
Wolves fans may feel conflicted about his departure, but few can deny that during his time at Molineux, Matheus Cunha left an impact that will be remembered — even if it was sometimes for reasons beyond the football pitch.