When Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid, it was perhaps not anticipated how crucial he would become in their fight to avoid Premier League relegation.
Despite Wolves’ struggles, the 27-year-old is flourishing on the pitch and has continued to prove critics wrong, game after game – his form has been impossible to ignore. He already has 10 goal involvements in 12 league games this season and added to his tally during Wolves’ 4-1 win over Fulham on Saturday.
He found the back of the net for a second successive game at Craven Cottage. Cunha scored two of those four goals and also provided an assist to Joao Gomes in the process.
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While losing him in the January transfer window would be a major blow for the club, it might prove to be a rather difficult task come January. Manchester United themselves, are one of the clubs linked with Cunha and have been following him since his days at Atletico Madrid.
At the time, he was mooted as a potential replacement for Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Previously addressing the interest from United, he admitted it was a ‘real honour’ to be linked with the Reds. “You know it’s a real honour to have your name linked to Manchester United,” the Wolves star said.
“One of the biggest clubs in the world. But I’m happy at Wolves. If I’m lucky, I play another good season, but the window is open, you never know. I always want to show that (the affection) is reciprocated.
“Then we see that talk (Manchester United). But I’m very happy at Wolves. The focus now is on having better seasons and helping the club. God willing, I’ll continue on this path.”
After Wolves beat United to Cunha’s signature, he only needed a short period of time to really show his impact – becoming a mainstay for the Molineux team. Should a move come to fruition in the near future, the Brazilian could fit in as one of the two forwards alongside a striker at Old Trafford.
At Sporting CP, Ruben Amorim used Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao in those positions. Cunha however, wouldn’t be used as a wing-back or in the central midfielder position as there are players who are more suitable for those roles at the club already.
With that said, United would benefit from having a versatile player.
In addition, the Brazilian’s recent performances should have also been worthy of an international call-up, especially as Brazil continue to struggle in their World Cup qualifying games. Brazil are currently in dire need of more attack prowess – having won just five of their 12 World Cup qualifiers.
Cunha’s last appearance for the Selecao Canarinha came in October of last year. Many have called for his return with one Brazil fan writing on X: “It’s unbelievable that Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes haven’t been called up. Cunha is having an excellent start to the season. Dorival [Junior] lives in the Disney World.”
Another added: “Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes, either one has to be the number nine of the Selecao. They are playing very well this season.” A third pleaded: “The Brazil national team is crying out for Matheus Cunha. Despite Wolves’ poor start to the campaign, he has already registered seven goals and three assists.”
A fourth stated: “Matheus Cunha carries that Wolves team, he needs to be called up,” before a fifth questioned: “It’s funny isn’t it? When he wasn’t in his best form, he’d get called up but now, during his impressive form, he’s not even considered.”
