Manchester United’s iconic stadium won’t feel like foreign ground to Matheus Cunha when he makes his long-awaited home debut next season. For the Brazilian forward, Old Trafford has always been part of his story — even before he ever stepped foot on English soil.
Just a day after completing his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 26-year-old opened up about how his love for United took root in his childhood days in João Pessoa, a beachside city in Brazil.
“It’s hard to even describe what this club means to me,” Cunha told United’s in-house media. “We didn’t have Premier League channels at home, not even at my cousin’s. Only my grandmother had the right channel, so every weekend we would all gather at her house to watch.”
That early exposure left a lasting mark. “When I played with my cousin — on the street, on the beach, on gravel pitches — we called every one of them ‘Old Trafford.’ Can you imagine? It was always part of me.”
Now, the dream is reality.
Cunha arrives at United following a strong season with Wolves, where he netted 15 Premier League goals. He also recently played a pivotal role in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Paraguay, providing the assist that secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Though eyebrows were raised over his transfer — especially after United’s disappointing 15th-place finish and absence from European competition — Cunha says his decision was shaped by something deeper than standings.
“This club, and the players who wore the shirt, left a big impression on me,” he said. “I remember that whole team I used to watch: Van der Sar in goal, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick… it was incredible.”
But it was Wayne Rooney who stood out most. “Rooney was No. 10, and yes, he had skills, but what moved me was how he gave everything. He slid into tackles, fought for the ball. That energy — that’s something I’ve always tried to bring into my own game.”
He also cited Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs among the legends who shaped his admiration for United.
Now, with the club looking to rebound from its worst league campaign in over five decades, Cunha says he’s ready to give everything to help restore its status.
“For me, no other club is like United,” he said. “Yes, it’s been a difficult season, but my decision shows how much I believe in what this club can become. I’ll give everything I have to help my dream club rise again — to help United win.”
