In what's emerging as one of the most costly transfer missteps in recent memory, Manchester United had the opportunity to secure Wolves' standout performer Matheus Cunha for a mere £15 million before his Molineux move.
The Brazilian forward, who has been in electrifying form this season, delivered another masterclass against United at Old Trafford recently, leaving Red Devils officials ruing their decision to pass on the bargain deal.
The One That Got Away
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, United's scouts had identified Cunha as a prime target during his time at Hertha Berlin. The club even held concrete talks about bringing the talented attacker to Manchester.
"United's decision-makers ultimately vetoed the move," Tavolieri revealed, "questioning whether Cunha possessed the quality to make the significant jump to a club of United's stature."
Proving His Worth
That assessment now looks painfully misguided. Cunha has evolved into one of the Premier League's most formidable attackers since joining Wolves initially on loan before making his £15 million transfer permanent.
His performance against United served as the ultimate revenge, demonstrating the very quality and composure United officials doubted he possessed.
Bigger Problems at Old Trafford
United's transfer misjudgement forms part of a broader pattern of recruitment issues that have plagued the club in recent years. While they've spent lavishly on big-name signings, their inability to identify and secure value-for-money deals has cost them dearly.
The Cunha saga represents another chapter in United's ongoing struggle to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for top honours, with their rejection of the Brazilian now serving as a painful reminder of what might have been.
