Official Manchester United statement confirms transfer agreement for Newcastle United target

Manchester United have completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle United had identified Cunha as a top target ahead of the summer transfer window after being alerted to his £62.5million release clause. His versatility and goal record since joining Wolves from Atletico Madrid two-and-a-half years ago made him an attractive prospect.

However, it became apparent quite early on that the 26-year-old had set his heart on a move to Old Trafford. And the Brazilian has now finalised that switch, penning a five-year contract with an option of a further year.

The Red Devils will pay Wolves in three instalments of £20.85m over two years after they rejected an offer to stagger the payment over five years.

Manchester United confirm Matheus Cunha signing

“Manchester United has reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Matheus Cunha,” a Manchester United statement read.

“The Brazilian forward’s signing is subject to visa and registration. The 26 year-old has 13 senior caps for Brazil, and, in his club career, has made 270 appearances and scored 72 goals in the English, Spanish, German and Swiss top flights.

“During two-and-a-half seasons at Wolves, Cunha has scored 33 goals in 92 appearances. Everyone at Manchester United looks forward to welcoming Matheus to Old Trafford.”

Newcastle United looking to move quickly in the transfer window

Despite missing out on Cunha, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe still hopes to make quick progress in the summer transfer window.

“Speed is key for us,” Howe said after the final Premier League game of the season against Everton last Sunday. “And I've reiterated that many times internally. “Speed is key because we have to be dynamic.

“We have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don't hang around for long. That's always been my thought and my message on recruitment, really, because you can have a period where you think you've got time, but then you can look around very quickly and realise that that time's elapsed and you've missed opportunities that you won't get again.

“So that's what we'll be trying but obviously, the reality of that is it's not always in your hands, but we'll be doing our best to do things early.”

Having gone three consecutive transfer windows without making a major signing, instead resorting to selling players in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Magpies head into the summer in a strong financial position.

From today (June 1), Newcastle and their Premier League rivals are permitted to make new signings until June 10 ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup before the window reopens on June 16 and closes on September 1.

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