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Matheus Cunha joins Manchester United for a club-record fee after a successful stint at Wolves. He recalls his childhood in Brazil and his dream of playing for United.
Matheus Cunha for Manchester United. (X)
Manchester United’s latest acquisition, Matheus Cunha, shared his excitement about joining the club, reminiscing about his childhood days playing on gravel pitches in Brazil and dreaming of representing United.
Cunha finalised a permanent transfer to Manchester United last month for a club-record fee, following a two-and-a-half-year stint at Wolves. He has signed a five-year contract, with an option to extend for another year. The Brazilian concluded his Wolves career with 33 goals in 92 appearances and was recently named Wolves Player of the Season after a stellar campaign. Now, he looks forward to embracing a new challenge.
“It is hard to find words to describe this moment. It is a dream come true. Sometimes, it is difficult to believe I am really here. This club has always meant something special to me. There is a funny story – back home in Brazil, we could only watch the Premier League at my grandma’s house because neither my house nor my cousins had the channel. So, every weekend, we would plan to watch matches at her place.
“My cousin, who is older than me, supported Manchester United. He was the one who introduced me to the Premier League – and to United. Even when we played on the gravel pitches back home, which is very common in Brazil, I would imagine playing for United. To be here now and to think back to those moments – it is incredibly emotional,” Cunha said on Jio Hotstar.
The 26-year-old made a memorable impact with a stunning goal in the club’s FA Cup victory against rivals West Bromwich Albion in January 2024 and recorded Wolves’ second-ever Premier League hat-trick in a remarkable win at Chelsea a week later.
Last season, Cunha emerged as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals, six of which were nominated for the Goal of the Season award. Highlights included two goals in a major win at Fulham and an impressive ‘Olimpico’ strike against United on Boxing Day.
Reflecting on the Manchester United legends who inspired his passion for football, the Brazilian added, “Rooney was the one I looked up to. I have tried to bring elements of his game into mine — the way he gave everything, went to ground to win the ball, and still had the skill and impact up front. He wore the number 10 shirt and led by example. Of course, there were others — Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Van der Sar. That entire team left a big mark on me during my teenage years.”
Reports indicate that Manchester United met the £62.5 million release clause in Cunha’s contract, agreeing to a payment structure over two years.
With IANS Inputs
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