KEY POINTS

  • Matheus Cunha is contracted with Atletico Madrid until 2026
  • He netted just seven goals for Atletico last season
  • Manchester United are still looking to bolster their attack this summer

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha in the ongoing summer window.

Manchester United are willing to pay around $51 million for the 23-year-old, while the deal will not involve a swap for Cristiano Ronaldo, reported talkSport. The report has further claimed the La Liga club is still interested in signing the Portuguese superstar despite protests from fans.

The Red Devils have started off the 2022-23 campaign on a low note, losing 2-1 to Brighton before being thrashed 4-0 by Brentford in the Premier League. New head coach Erik ten Hag is looking to bolster his attack and therefore the Old Trafford side is on the lookout for a new forward. Cunha, who has a contract until 2026, is one of their targets before the end of the summer window.

Matheus Cunha and Hertha Berlin face Bayern Munich on Sunday
Matheus Cunha previously played for German club Hertha Berlin AFP / Odd ANDERSEN

French journalist Julien Laurens, who has a credible record in the European transfer market, has confirmed that Cunha is a target of ten Hag.

"Matheus Cunha is a target for Manchester United, according to my sources in Spain. He is on their shortlist for the forward they are looking for this summer. He is 23, still has four years left in his contract with Atletico Madrid but would be keen to join United," Laurens wrote in a tweet.

Manchester United's next game is a big one as they are scheduled to host arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Cunha started off his European career at Swiss club Sion during the 2017-18 season before moving to RB Leipzig, where he spent two seasons. The Brazilian forward then went on to play for Hertha BSC and Atletico Madrid, where he failed to make an instant impact.

The 2021-22 campaign was Cunha's maiden season in the Spanish capital. He finished the season with seven goals and as many assists in 38 competitive appearances for Atletico. Of this, six goals and six assists came in 29 La Liga games.

In addition, Cunha is behind Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann in the pecking order. He was also in contention with Luis Suarez last season until the Uruguayan forward returned to his home nation over the summer.