Manchester United near Cunha, eye River Plate's wonderkid

Posted : 22 April 2025

Manchester United are reportedly on the brink of finalizing a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Matheus Cunha. According to the Daily Mail, the Brazilian striker has shown a strong preference for joining the Red Devils, despite interest from other top clubs. The club is expected to activate his £62.5 million release clause and hopes to conclude negotiations by the end of the upcoming month. Newcastle United had also been in the race, targeting Cunha for a wide attacking role, but United’s project under manager Ruben Amorim appears to have swayed the 25-year-old's decision.

Cunha has drawn praise from Amorim, who is believed to be a keen admirer of the striker’s adaptability and goal-scoring ability. Observers have noted that the United boss was seen speaking with Cunha after their recent fixtures against Wolves—first at Molineux, then again at Old Trafford. Amorim views Cunha as a key piece in his tactical overhaul at the club, and his persistent pursuit underscores the player’s potential importance in the team’s future setup.

Manchester United are not stopping with Cunha. The club is also monitoring Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. However, competition is heating up for the young striker, with Chelsea and other sides reportedly weighing up whether to activate his £30 million release clause. With Premier League Sustainability Rules (PSR) putting pressure on United’s finances, any additional recruitment may depend on securing European qualification and offloading current squad members.

In addition to their interest in domestic talent, United are casting a wider net abroad. The club is reportedly among those tracking Franco Mastantuono, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder from River Plate who has been likened to Phil Foden. The Sun claims United could make a summer bid for the Argentine wonderkid, though they face competition from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan for his services.

Mastantuono made headlines in February 2024 by becoming River Plate’s youngest-ever scorer in a senior match, breaking a record previously held by Javier Saviola. Since then, he has added several goals to his tally, including a brilliant solo strike against Gimnasia. Starting from the right, Mastantuono beat three defenders before finishing with his preferred left foot—an effort that further cemented comparisons with Manchester City’s Foden due to his flair, vision, and positioning.

Elsewhere, Jamie Vardy could be set to depart Leicester City following the club’s relegation. The veteran striker is attracting interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) teams and may consider a move to the United States. Vardy, who helped Leicester to a historic Premier League title in 2016, expressed disappointment over the club’s drop to the Championship. Reports indicate that his final decision could hinge on managerial changes, particularly whether Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in charge.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is expected to be available for £60 million this summer, according to The Mirror. The Swedish striker has become one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal all vying for his signature. Initially, his release clause was set at £85.7 million, but a performance-based agreement between player and club has since lowered the figure. With top Premier League sides circling, a fierce transfer battle is anticipated once the season ends.

Manchester United near Cunha, eye River Plate's wonderkid

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