Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Premier League Clubs Eye Wolves Forward Cunha Amid Social Media Stir
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, a target for several Premier League clubs including Manchester United, found himself on the substitutes’ bench for the Tottenham Hotspur match. This decision came despite his return from a four-game suspension and following a social media incident where he engaged with fans over a cryptic Instagram message. The Brazilian’s future at Molineux remains uncertain as speculation mounts regarding a potential summer transfer.
Cunha Benched After Suspension Return
Despite serving a four-match ban, Wolves forward Matheus Cunha was named as a substitute for the game against Tottenham. The suspension stemmed from a red card incident in an FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth, where he was penalized for violent conduct involving Milos Kerkez during extra time.
Manager Sticks with Winning Formula
Ahead of the Tottenham fixture, Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira indicated his intention to maintain an unchanged starting lineup for the fifth consecutive match. This decision followed a successful run of three consecutive victories achieved during Cunha’s absence, effectively securing their Premier League status.
True to his word, Pereira listed Cunha among the substitutes upon arrival at Molineux.
Social Media Exchange with Supporters
Prior to the match, the often-outspoken attacker became involved in an unexpected online disagreement with a segment of Wolves supporters. This transpired after Cunha posted a cryptic message on Instagram, which he subsequently deleted, suggesting he would ‘follow his dream’.
The 25-year-old shared a black and white image of himself in Wolves training gear, accompanied by the phrase: ‘Time to be happy. I will follow my dreams, not yours. So stay cool.’ This message was briefly visible before its removal.
Fan Group and Cunha Trade Barbs
Alert fans, including the Talking Wolves group, captured a screenshot of the post. Subsequent online criticism apparently provoked Cunha into a defensive response.
Cunha addressed Talking Wolves directly, stating: ‘Do you know what you want? For people to dislike me here, unfortunately I’m going to the field to solve the problem of your favourite club. I’m not here seeking ways to be important.’
He further added, ‘Fans support their own, they don’t constantly create misfortunes.’
Talking Wolves countered, replying: ‘Completely untrue. We have consistently praised and supported you from the outset. We are reporting factual news and events. Stop attributing your personal errors to us.’
Cunha responded: ‘I apologize, but that is precisely your intention. To be the first to broadcast fabricated news, misrepresenting the actual situation.’
He continued, ‘I create a video and you portray it as meaningless. What you fail to grasp is your influence as opinion makers. If you dislike me, that is acceptable. Let us agree that our common ground is our shared love for Wolves.’
Summer Transfer Speculation Surrounds Striker
Matheus Cunha has displayed impressive form this season, netting 15 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions. A summer departure from Molineux appears increasingly likely, with multiple Premier League clubs reportedly interested in acquiring his services.
Coach Explains Bench Decision
Explaining his choice to start Cunha on the bench for the Tottenham game, Pereira commented: ‘Matheus is dedicated, training, and preparing himself to aid the team. However, we have been victorious in our last three matches, demonstrating consistency both tactically and mentally.’
Pereira concluded, ‘What is equitable? It is just to continue with the same team. This is my viewpoint. This is football, this is commitment, this is leadership. And Matheus will enter the game to assist us.’
‘He is dedicated. He understands. I have spoken with him.’