Matheus Cunha’s impact on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ battle to stay in the Premier League was probably not anticipated when the club signed him from Atletico Madrid.

Despite Wolves’ poor play, the 27-year-old is having a spectacular season and has been proving naysayers wrong game after game. He scored again in Wolves’ 4-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, bringing his season total of goals scored to ten in twelve league games played this year.

At Craven Cottage, he scored for the second game in a row. Two of those four goals were scored by Cunha, who also set up Joao Gomes for an assist.Although his departure during the January transfer window would be devastating to the club, keeping him in January could be a challenge. From his time at Atletico Madrid onward, Cunha has been linked to a number of clubs, including Manchester United.

People were talking about him at the moment as a possible Cristiano Ronaldo replacement.

Addressing United’s interest earlier, he said it was a “real honour” to be associated with Liverpool. “Having your name linked to Manchester United is a real honor,” the Wolves player remarked.

“One of the most exclusive clubs in the planet. However, I am content at Wolves. The door is still open; who knows? Maybe I have another successful season. I always strive to demonstrate that I am reciprocating the affection.

Then there’s that Manchester United talk. At Wolves, though, I am extremely content. Getting better seasons and contributing to the team are now priorities. I intend to press forward along this road, God willing.

Soon after Wolves overcame United to get Cunha, he established himself as an integral part of the Molineux squad and made a significant impression. The Brazilian might play alongside a striker and one of Manchester United’s attackers if a transfer is finalized soon.

Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao were the players who Ruben Amorim utilized in those roles while at Sporting CP. Cunha however, wouldn’t be used as a wing-back or in the central midfielder position as there are players who are more suitable for those roles at the club already.

Still, a multi-talented player would be an asset to United.

Furthermore, given Brazil’s ongoing struggles in World Cup qualifying games, the Brazilian’s recent performances ought to have merited an international call-up. Brazil are currently in dire need of more attack prowess – having won just five of their 12 World Cup qualifiers.

Cunha’s last appearance for the Selecao Canarinha came in October of last year. Many have called for his return with one Brazil fan writing on X: “It’s unbelievable that Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes haven’t been called up. Cunha is having an excellent start to the season. Dorival [Junior] lives in the Disney World.”

Another added: “Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes, either one has to be the number nine of the Selecao. They are playing very well this season.” A third pleaded: “The Brazil national team is crying out for Matheus Cunha. Despite Wolves’ poor start to the campaign, he has already registered seven goals and three assists.”

A fourth stated: “Matheus Cunha carries that Wolves team, he needs to be called up,” before a fifth questioned: “It’s funny isn’t it? When he wasn’t in his best form, he’d get called up but now, during his impressive form, he’s not even considered.”