The Matheus Cunha Saga: A Cautionary Tale of Talent, Temptation, and Tarnished Legacy at Wolves
The 2024/25 Premier League season is drawing to a close, and while Wolverhampton Wanderers’ campaign has featured its fair share of ups and downs, few stories have overshadowed the club’s narrative like the unfolding drama surrounding Matheus Cunha. What began as a promising love story between club and player now feels like a bitter divorce, complete with finger-pointing, frustration, and a fanbase left with a sour taste in its mouth.
When Cunha signed a new contract with Wolves in the summer of 2024, the club hoped it was a statement of intent—proof that they could retain elite talent and build a side capable of challenging for Europe. For a while, it seemed like that vision could become reality. Cunha was a marquee name with flair, strength, and a knack for scoring important goals. He brought energy to the frontline and added a layer of unpredictability that Wolves sorely lacked at times.
But barely months after putting pen to paper, the situation took a drastic turn. Whispers of interest from bigger clubs quickly turned into roars, and soon, the £62.5 million release clause in his contract became more than just a figure on paper—it became the fuel for speculation. Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and others were reportedly circling. Eventually, the strongest links emerged from Old Trafford, and now, it looks all but certain that Matheus Cunha will become a Manchester United player this summer.
The Exit Is No Surprise — But the Manner of It Is
For Wolves fans, the reality of losing Cunha isn’t the primary issue. Players come and go; it’s part of the sport. Wolves are no strangers to watching top talent depart. What stings the most is how Cunha has conducted himself in the months leading up to his departure. From cryptic social media posts to suggestive interviews hinting at life beyond Molineux, the Brazilian has, in the eyes of many fans, acted with disrespect, disinterest, and a severe lack of professionalism.
His four-match suspension earlier in the season only added to the perception that he was losing focus. While some credit is due for scoring upon his return and publicly apologising to supporters, it was a fleeting redemption. The damage, it seems, was already done.
When Vitor Pereira benched him against Tottenham, many supporters saw it as a justified disciplinary decision. Yet Cunha came off the bench and scored, showing glimpses of the player Wolves believed they’d secured long-term. But when he started against Manchester United the following week—replacing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde—controversy swirled again. Post-match footage of him speaking with manager Rúben Amorim (brought in as a consultant ahead of next season) reignited speculation, and the discontent within the fanbase exploded.
Wolves Fans Have Had Enough
Social media has since been flooded with messages from fans urging the club to drop Cunha from the squad entirely for the rest of the season. It’s not just frustration—it’s a call for a cultural reset.
“He shouldn’t even be in the squad! Let him train with the kids and give time to players who want to be here.”
“We’re practically already in pre-season. Give the minutes to Rodrigo Gomes, João Ricardo Borges, or even young Kam Kandola.”
“He’s made his choice. Let him watch from the stands.”
The idea is simple: if Cunha’s heart is already elsewhere, he shouldn’t be taking valuable game time away from players committed to Wolves’ future. For a club like Wolves—one that builds around development, loyalty, and identity—attitude matters. Fans remember players not just for goals, but for their commitment, passion, and willingness to fight for the badge. And in this department, Cunha is being accused of falling woefully short.
A Damaged Legacy
Cunha had all the ingredients to become a modern Wolves legend. He could’ve left as a Ruben Neves-type figure—someone who gave his all, elevated the club, and left with the fans’ blessing. Instead, he seems destined to leave under a cloud, much like Matheus Nunes before him. Nunes’ messy departure to Manchester City—refusing to train, pushing for the move—left Wolves supporters bitter and betrayed. Now, history appears to be repeating itself.
Cunha’s social media antics have done him no favours. Posting cryptic emojis, liking transfer rumours, and giving interviews that toe the line of disrespect—they’ve all combined to paint a picture of a player already halfway out the door, emotionally and mentally detached from the cause.
What makes it worse is the contrast between his words and his actions. In interviews and press appearances, he’s spoken about his “love” for the club. But love, in football, is shown not with words, but with performances, discipline, and respect. And on that front, Cunha has failed to deliver consistently.
Manchester United’s Gamble
From Manchester United’s perspective, this is a high-stakes move. There’s no denying Cunha’s raw talent. At his best, he is an explosive, intelligent forward with the ability to change a game in a flash. But with a price tag over £60 million and questions about his temperament, United are taking a calculated risk.
Erik ten Hag, or whoever is managing United next season, will be tasked with not only unlocking Cunha’s footballing potential but also managing his personality. The Premier League is unforgiving, and Old Trafford even more so. If Cunha brings the same inconsistent attitude to Manchester, the backlash will be far harsher than anything he’s experienced at Wolves.
But if they can harness his talent and channel his emotions constructively, he could be a game-changer. The question is: which version of Cunha will show up in Manchester—the one who dazzled fans with moments of brilliance, or the one who let distractions, ego, and entitlement dictate his path?
Looking Ahead: Wolves and the New Era
As Wolves prepare for life after Cunha, there’s reason for optimism. Young talents like João Ricardo Borges, Rodrigo Gomes, and Kam Kandola are waiting in the wings. Pereira may see the final few games of the season as a chance to experiment, blood youngsters, and reshape the squad around players who are fully invested.
Wolves have been here before. They lost Diogo Jota and reinvented. They lost Neves and continued to compete. Now, with Cunha on the way out, they’ll do it again. If anything, this saga reinforces the importance of a strong club culture—one that values attitude as highly as ability.
Because talent might win you games, but it’s character that builds legacies.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for a blog post or submitted as a fan op-ed — could even turn it into a newsletter-style piece.