Cunha gives brutal one-word response to Manchester United after holding ‘direct talks’

Jason Soutar
Matheus Cunha during a training session

According to reports, Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha has told Manchester United he has no interest in joining them this summer.

TalkSPORT reported on Monday evening that the Red Devils are ‘closing in’ on the signing of the Brazilian international for around £42million.


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Multiple sources then confirmed the Premier League club’s interest, but it is not believed they have tabled an official offer as things stand.

Fabrizio Romano wrote on Twitter on Monday: “Manchester United had direct talks with Matheus Cunha’s agents as with many others in the last few days.

“No agreement reached with Atletico Madrid as things stand.

“Atletico want more than €50m to sell Cunha this summer.”

Atletico Madrid are open to selling a player or two before the transfer window closes and it is thought that former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is available.

Cunha is under contract until 2026 and has provided 14 goal contributions in 38 games for the Spanish side.

Talks are underway to sign the 23-year-old but there is not a great deal of confidence a deal can be done.

Atletico have reportedly told United to not waste their time making a bid if it is a penny less than Cunha’s release clause, which is believed to be around €70m.

While the Red Devils are unlikely to fork out that amount of money, they are getting desperate to bring in new signings.

They have already signed Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen this summer but are still in the market for a new winger, striker and midfielder.

Erik ten Hag has been pursuing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong for months despite the player’s lack of interest in joining the Premier League club.

Ajax winger Antony is another who Ten Hag is keen on signing, though they have been put off by the Dutch club’s reported £80m valuation.

If United do pay Cunha’s release clause, they may struggle to complete the transfer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Cunha has simply said ‘no’ to a move to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian is ‘happy’ in the Spanish capital and has no intention of moving clubs this summer.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone ‘trusts’ the former Hertha Berlin attacker and the club are unwilling to let him leave despite their desire to raise funds through player sales.