Matheus Cunha couldn’t hide his emotions after finally signing with the club he’s loved since childhood—Manchester United. The Brazilian striker, who just joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, shared how special the move is for him.
Even though he grew up far away in the beachside city of Joao Pessoa, Brazil, Cunha always felt connected to Manchester United.
“Honestly, it’s hard to explain how I feel about this club,” the 26-year-old said in an interview with the team’s media.
“When I was a kid, we didn’t even have the channel to watch the Premier League at my house or my cousin’s. Only my grandma had it, so every weekend we went to her house just to watch the games,” Cunha shared.
He said that when they played soccer in the street or on the beach, they would pretend they were playing at Old Trafford, the famous stadium of Manchester United.
“We even called the gravel fields ‘Old Trafford.’ So now, being here for real… it’s super emotional.”
Did you know we faced Matheus in 2017? ⏮️
Our new signing’s first interview is out now, exclusively on #MUTV 👇#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2025
Last season, Cunha scored 15 goals in the Premier League for Wolves. He also helped Brazil qualify for the 2026 World Cup by assisting the only goal in a big 1-0 win over Paraguay.
Some fans were surprised by his move to Manchester United, especially since the team had a tough year, finishing 15th and missing out on European competitions. But for Cunha, the club means more than just results.
“I always watched their games, and the players made a big impression on me,” he said. “Especially Wayne Rooney. He wore the No. 10 shirt and was loved for his skill. But what I admired most was how he played with heart. He worked hard, tackled, and gave everything on the field. That energy inspired me.”
Now, Cunha gets the chance to wear the same red shirt and create memories of his own at the stadium he once pretended to play in as a kid.
