Manchester United transfer news
Date: Early July 2025
1. Official: Matheus Cunha Signs for United for £62.5 M
Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves on a five-year deal (until 2030) for a reported £62.5 million (sportsmole.co.uk, utddistrict.co.uk). Cunha scored 15 Premier League goals last season and is viewed as a perfect fit for the style of play of new boss Ruben Amorim (teamtalk.com).
2. Teenage Left-Back Diego León Arrives from Cerro Porteno
United have continued to invest in youth by bringing in Paraguayan left-back Diego León for around £7 million. He'll play for the senior side and academy. León, unlike Marcelo, brings attacking potential despite being raw defensively (aftonbladet.se).
3. Academy Boost: Harley Emsden-James (Southampton)
Still in the scouting mood, United are adding talented young players. Harley Emsden‑James, a 16-year-old Southampton youngster, will be joining the academy with high hopes, thanks to his potential and rapid growth (utddistrict.co.uk).
4. Rashford, Garnacho & Antony Among Five Players Seeking Exit
A significant squad rebuild is underway:
- Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia have all indicated they wish to leave and are not on pre-season tours (reuters.com).
- Antony is in advanced talks with Real Betis, with both clubs granting him additional time off as a sale looms (talksport.com).
5. Striker Wishlist: Watkins, Mbeumo & Calvert-Lewin
To bolster their attack, United are pursuing veteran strikers:
- Ollie Watkins (Villa): Identified as the primary striker target. Recent reports suggest a potential swap deal involving Rashford, though Villa have thus far refused (aftonbladet.se).
- Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford): United are close to agreeing on a deal worth over £60 million. Agreed personal terms and could finalize his transfer before the start of pre-season (talksport.com).
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (free agent): Budget option being considered but not an first-choice option (thesun.co.uk).
6. Financial Reality & Sales Drive Strategy
Under INEOS ownership and with PSR/FFP regulations in mind, United are pushing major sales to fund signings. Their recent financial losses (∼£300 million over three years) have prompted increased cost-cutting and monetisation of star assets (reddit.com).
Bottom Line
- In: Matheus Cunha, Diego León, academy prospect Harley Emsden-James
- Out (or likely): Rashford, Antony, Garnacho, Sancho, Malacia
- Wanted: Watkins and Mbeumo – both prime targets. Calvert-Lewin remains a cheaper option.
Manchester United are undertaking a huge summer overhaul — redirecting youth investment, offloading high earners, and pursuing upgrade signings at the top end of the pitch.
