There is no truth to reports suggesting Matheus Cunha was absent from Manchester United’s squad for a future match against Everton — because he has never been a player there. Not once. Not in training. Not on paper. Not in any official record. The idea that he could be "missing" from a squad he never joined isn’t just wrong — it’s logically impossible.
Who Is Matheus Cunha, Really?
Matheus Cunha, the 24-year-old Brazilian forward born in São Paulo on May 27, 1999, has carved out a steady, high-profile career across Europe — but never in Manchester. He began with Figueirense in 2017, then moved to Belgium’s Sint-Truiden, followed by a €15 million transfer to RB Leipzig in 2018. He spent time on loan at Hertha BSC, where he scored 16 goals in 60 appearances, before a £30 million move to Atlético Madrid in January 2022.
Then came the move that defines his current identity: on August 30, 2022, Wolverhampton Wanderers signed him for a club-record £35 million. He signed a five-year deal running until June 2027. Since then, he’s made 25 Premier League appearances, netting six goals and adding two assists. His name is on Wolves’ official roster — and nowhere else.
The Myth of the Missing Player
The confusion stems from a fabricated scenario: a supposed match between Manchester United and Everton on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. That date doesn’t exist in any official fixture list. The Premier League doesn’t release schedules more than a year in advance, and even if it did, no player is "absent" from a squad he never joined.
But here’s the twist: the story sounds plausible to casual fans. Both clubs wear red. Both play in the Premier League. Both have global followings. And in the noise of social media, transfer rumors often morph into facts. The Athletic, ESPN, and Sky Sports all reported in 2022 that Manchester United had pursued Cunha — but ultimately lost out to Wolves. That’s where the myth began.
Turns out, people remembered the pursuit — and forgot the outcome.
Official Records Don’t Lie
The Premier League’s official player registry, last updated in May 2023, shows Cunha registered solely under Wolverhampton Wanderers. BBC Sport’s transfer database, Sky Sports’ player profile, and even Manchester United’s own 2022-2023 squad list — published August 5, 2022 — contain no trace of him.
Manchester United’s attacking options that season? Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga. No Cunha. Not even a training session photo. Not a single contract document. Not a single paycheck.
And here’s the kicker: Manchester United finished third in the Premier League that season with 75 points. Their squad had 28 registered players. Cunha wasn’t one of them. Not even close.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about a player’s career path. It’s about how misinformation spreads in sports media. A single headline — "Cunha Missing from United Squad" — gets shared on Twitter, then picked up by fan forums, then turned into a "hot take" on YouTube. Before you know it, people are arguing about whether he’s injured or suspended. The truth? He’s not even on the bench because he’s not on the team.
It’s a reminder that in the age of instant updates, verification matters more than ever. The Premier League, BBC, and Sky Sports all maintain publicly accessible records. You don’t need to guess. You just need to check.
What’s Next for Cunha and Wolves?
Under manager Julen Lopetegui, Wolves have leaned on Cunha’s pace, creativity, and knack for clutch goals. He’s become a fan favorite at Molineux, often the spark in tight matches. With his contract running until 2027, there’s no indication he’s leaving anytime soon — and certainly no interest from Manchester United, who’ve been focused on rebuilding their attack through youth and targeted signings like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
As for the November 2025 fixture? It’s speculative fiction. The Premier League may not even play on a Tuesday that late in the season. But if they do, you can bet Cunha will be in Wolves’ starting XI — not United’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Matheus Cunha ever been linked to Manchester United before?
Yes, but only in rumor form. During the summer 2022 transfer window, several outlets, including The Athletic and Sky Sports, reported Manchester United had shown interest in Cunha. However, those talks never progressed beyond preliminary discussions. Wolves moved quickly to secure his signature for £35 million, effectively ending any realistic chance of a United transfer. No formal bid was ever submitted.
Why do people confuse Wolverhampton with Manchester United?
The confusion comes from visual similarities — both clubs wear red kits, play in the Premier League, and have large international followings. But their identities are worlds apart: Wolves are a mid-table club with a strong youth system and Chinese ownership, while United is a global powerhouse with Glazer family ownership and a historic trophy haul. The mix-up is understandable, but easily corrected by checking official rosters.
Could Manchester United sign Cunha in the future?
Technically, yes — but it’s unlikely. Cunha is under contract with Wolves until 2027, and the club has no financial incentive to sell him at a loss. Manchester United, meanwhile, are prioritizing younger talents and long-term squad building. A move would require a massive fee and a clear tactical fit, neither of which currently exists. His best chance of joining United would be if Wolves are relegated — which isn’t on the horizon.
What do official sources say about Cunha’s club history?
The Premier League’s official website, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports all list Cunha’s career path as: Figueirense → Sint-Truiden → RB Leipzig → Hertha BSC → Atlético Madrid → Wolverhampton Wanderers. None mention Manchester United. Even UEFA’s player database, which tracks all European competitions, shows no record of him ever being registered with United. The data is consistent, public, and unambiguous.
Is the November 25, 2025, match real?
No. The Premier League does not publish fixture lists more than a year in advance. As of May 2023, the 2025-2026 schedule didn’t exist. Even if it did, November 25, 2025, falling on a Tuesday, would be highly unusual for a Premier League match — typically reserved for cup games or rearranged fixtures. The entire premise of the story relies on a fictional date.
What should fans do when they see claims like this?
Check the source. Look for official club announcements, Premier League records, or trusted outlets like BBC, The Athletic, or Sky Sports. If a claim sounds too dramatic or too convenient — especially if it involves a star player and a giant club — it’s likely misinformation. Never share unverified transfer rumors. The truth is always in the paperwork.