Manchester United may have come crashing back down to reality after their 1-0 loss at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, but they may have left with a consolation prize as multiple so-called ‘hints’ and the latest transfer rumours have it that Matheus Cunha is in their sights.
Cunha has been one of the best players in a struggling Wolves side over the past couple of seasons and was one of the most effective on the pitch once again as the visitors did the double over Man United for the first time since 1979/80.
It may have been an impressive free kick from Pablo Sarabia that got Vitor Pereira’s squad over the line after the home team missed a number of chances in front of goal, but many fans felt it was somewhat of a second audition for Cunha, who scored and assisted for both goals in the reverse fixture.
Notwithstanding his latest performance, if you’re inclined to believe the latest transfer rumblings from reliable sources such as Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, it sounds like United are pushing hard for Matheus Cunha already and that the signs are looking promising.
Manchester United hold positive contract talks on Matheus Cunha.
Wolves want £62.5m release clause paying in full, but open to instalments.
Ruben Amorim + #MUFC execs aligned on target for No 10 position.
Even prior to Stockport-born United journalist Laurie Whitwell’s report on Tuesday morning, numerous outlets were quick to hop on what is becoming an increasingly intriguing saga.
Transfer expert Romano had already claimed that there were “good feelings” following early contact between the two clubs, noting that discussions around personal terms are underway with United fully aware that Cunha will have plenty of suitors given his relatively reasonable release clause in this climate.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, the Italian reporter went on to insist that the club are now leading the race and pushing hard to get a deal done early, adding that a source has told him there “great connection” between all interested parties.
Cunha, 25, was also at the centre of a mini media storm of his own making earlier this month too, after sharing an Instagram post which read: “Time to be happy. I will follow my dreams and yours… So stay cool.” It was deleted shortly after.
Romano also went on to state that “the feeling between Matheus Cunha and Ruben Amorim is excellent”, with supporters from both clubs spotting that the fellow Portuguese speaker was quick to put his arm around the Wolves number 10 once again after the full-time whistle.
• 26 Dec 2024 Amorim and Cunha at full-time
• Today Amorim and Cunha at half-time
I'm telling you now that we're signing Cunha this summer. Couldn't be more obvious that Amorim likes him. 👀😁 pic.twitter.com/LeKESZPSQS
Whether or not the Man United head coach was putting in his own additional effort to try and tap up Cunha or at least bend his ear on the situation, only time will tell, but it seems with the microscope fully on the Brazilian attacking midfielder, virtually everything he does is being closely scrutinised.
For instance, other eagle-eyed fans noticed that the former Red Bull Leipzig star and Olympic gold medallist did something rather intriguing when walking out onto the pitch at Old Trafford before kick-off this past weekend.
Make of that what you will…
The fact that he was spotted not just waving and acknowledging supporters both before and after the game, but even stopping to take pictures outside Old Trafford, has also added fuel to the fire.
All evidence appears to point towards transfer and player contract talks already progressing, even if they are still in their early stages, and there seems to be a belief that Cunha himself would be keen on the move, especially with Wolves lingering just above the drop zone.
At the very least, it’s clear that there will need to be outgoings in order for Man United to undergo any real activity in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The question is, would you like to see Cunha swap ‘old gold’ for red?
You can watch the highlights from the defeat at Old Trafford down here.
Jonny Evans is staying at Manchester United after retirement
Danny Jones
Recently retired defender Jonny Evans is reportedly staying at Manchester United after hanging up his boots as a player and is set to remain in a new staff role at the club.
Evans enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in red after returning to Old Trafford back in 2023 on a short-term deal that was initially intended as a way of him regaining fitness whilst helping Man United out on their pre-season tour.
Fast-forward to 2025, and he’s made another 43 appearances for the team, a whole eight years on from his first spell, with his temporary contract made permanent under Erik ten Hag and playing a number of games under Ruben Amorim as well.
However, having picked up an injury in the previous campaign and now at 37 years old, his second stint wasn’t going to last forever; as per The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell, Evans will now take up a staff job at United, dealing primarily with young players.
Exc: Jonny Evans is to stay at Manchester United after agreeing new role on staff.
Evans will look after youth loans, helping place players at clubs + offering them support through the process.
The Stockport-born journalist explains that the Northern Irish centre-back will be operating in a youth development role, focusing specifically on youth loans and bedding academy products into other clubs.
As an academy graduate himself, his knowledge of the system and wealth of expertise as a veteran of the senior game have seen him identified as an ideal candidate for the task.
With yet another round of redundancies around the organisation earlier this year, and with academy director Nick Cox leaving the setup after nearly a decade at the club last week, his arrival in the post has come at a crucial time.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the INEOS Group and CEO Omar Berrada have all faced heavy criticism for trimming the workforce despite paying off heavy sums owed on players and coaches no longer at the club, as well as continuing to try and spend in the summer window.
A number of unpopular decisions are already directly impacting the supporters, too.
It isn’t just the staff that are being hit by the cutbacks and business decisions.
Nevertheless, retaining the cult favourite club servant has been met with a much better reception.
Whitwell explains that “United see Evans as a valuable asset for his character, professionalism and experience of winning trophies, and feel a role in bridging the pathway between academy and senior football suits him.”
Plus, with Mathues Cunha already brought into the club and progress being made in the deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, there is plenty of reason for fans to be positive.
Wigan Athletic make statement signing after grabbing Wrexham’s Paul Mullin on loan
Danny Jones
Wigan Athletic have pulled over a big transfer in the summer window, albeit only temporarily for now, as they have managed to acquire the services of Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin on loan.
The Merseyside-born marksman, who has been instrumental in helping lift Wrexham from the depths of the National League and into the Championship (the first time they’ve been back in the second division since 1977/78), joins the Latics on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Mullin may be gradually entering the latter end of his career, but he has proved time and again that he can score, managing to chip in with a respectable half dozen goal contributions even amidst a lengthy period out following back surgery and a subsequent shin injury.
The 30-year-old is the third signing for Wigan so far in 2025, following the likes of incomings Fraser Murray, a left-sided Scottish midfielder from Kilmarnock, and fellow forward Christian Saydee from Portsmouth, but he’s no doubt the one who’s caught the most attention.
A regular hero in the well-documented and Hollywood-backed Welcome to Wrexham story, Paul Mullin has notched an unbelievable 110 goals in 172 games, boasting a combined goal contribution tally of 223 across multiple English clubs up and down the football pyramid in just over a decade as a professional.
Put simply, he scores goals wherever he goes.
Commenting on the move, Mullin said via club media: “I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”
Bidding a brief goodbye to his parent club, he responded to their announcement by adding: “All the best this season! Keep the train rolling.”
Although he’s no stranger to the North West – having been born in Litherland, Sefton and played for both Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers – Wigan Athletic is the first spell at a Greater Manchester club for Mullin. The move will also see him face familiar local foes like Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers.
It’s fair to say that, as well as finding the net pretty regularly throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a number of accolades along the way, too, especially during his time with Wrexham.
Much-admired rising coach Ryan Lowe, who was snapped up by Wigan Athletic amidst the flurry of names linked last March, said in the official club statement: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL.
“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important. He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.”
“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”
Supporters of The Red Dragons might be sad to see him go, but you’ve got to be happy with this one, right, ‘Tics?
I don’t think words can come to mind. “Oh it’s just a footballer”
No. It’s my hero, our hero Super Paul Mullin thank you.
Thank you for what you have done for us❤️
On personal note I send my high fives before every game I will miss you this season my friend