Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has dismissed speculation linking star striker Matheus Cunha with a January move to Manchester United, insisting the Brazilian will remain at Molineux as the club looks to continue their strong run in the Premier League.
Cunha, who joined Wolves permanently in the summer of 2023 after an impressive loan spell, has been in sensational form this season.
His brace against Fulham last weekend brought his tally to five goals and three assists in the last six league games, cementing his status as a key player for O’Neil’s side.
The 25-year-old’s performances have reportedly caught the attention of United, but O’Neil is adamant Cunha is staying put. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth, the Wolves boss said:
“Matheus definitely won’t leave in January. Our relationship and his understanding of what we’re trying to do here is exceptionally good, so I don’t foresee there being any problems at all in January with Matheus Cunha.
“Contract-wise, I’ll leave that to the club. We have a real focus, Matheus included, on tomorrow’s game and making sure we’re in the best shape to beat Bournemouth.”
O’Neil praised Cunha’s development since arriving at Wolves, highlighting the striker’s work ethic and willingness to improve.
“He’s worked very hard and he’s a really humble guy. When I first came, he was big enough and open enough to accept the gaps that he had in his game, and then he’s just gone head-on into trying to tackle them and trying to piece the bits together,” he said.
The Wolves boss also lauded Cunha’s natural ability, describing it as the foundation of his success.
*”The most important bit in any footballer is quality, and that’s the bit he has in abundance. All the other stuff you can work on with him, around positioning and mentality to defend and get back under the ball – all that is workable.
“What you can’t help players with is the quality that they have and the understanding that they have, and Matheus is top level at that. We love having him here, he’s an exceptional player, he’s incredibly important to the group and to the football club, and I look forward to working with him for as long as possible.”
With Cunha under contract until 2026, Wolves fans will be hoping he continues to fire them up the table.
