Signing the best player from Wolves should never be billed as a 'statement signing' by Manchester United but there was a statement of intent with the quick conclusion of the Matheus Cunha deal. Cunha's release clause, the Portuguese coterie at United and Ruben Amorim's system made the Brazilian playmaker an obviously attractive target. After Wolves won at Old Trafford on Easter Sunday, the swiftness with which United moved for Cunha meant it would have been a surprise if he had not ended up in their shirt. Buying Premier League quality also laid down a marker. After the world record £80million United parted with to buy Harry Maguire in 2019, they bought one player from a Premier League side (Mason Mount) before this calendar year. Cunha is a specialist No.10 and an upgrade on United's existing options, bar Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes could be relocated to central midfield if he remains at United beyond the closure of the transfer window. Sources at United spoke about the desire to come out of the blocks in the window. Ideally, they would have two new forwards in the building but Liam Delap chose Chelsea . Minutes after Delap's decision had been reported , United staff in Hong Kong were in a relaxed mood and stressing there were contingency targets. United's season, with 44 league goals and a -10 goal difference, demanded swift action in the market. Now their priority is Bryan Mbeumo, another forward who outscored Cunha with a remarkable 20 league goals last term. Mbeumo represents the best of both worlds. He can switch from attacker to defender, given his experience on the right wing in Brentford's back-three system. His natural skill set is of an attacker, though. Mbeumo was amused to discover he was listed as a midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League last season. The looming 'deadline' of June 30 - the end of the financial year - and the rejection of United's opening offer of up to £55m for Mbeumo has caused activity to slow down. Deals were practically done for Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro in early July last year and there is bound to be movement next month. United leave for their pre-season tour of the United States on July 22 - four weeks on Tuesday. Before that, their friendly schedule begins against Leeds United in Norway (again) on July 19. United are still guarded as to the official return date for their players but the week beginning July 7 would be logical (it was July 8 last year). In previous summers, United have finalised signings after the start of the pre-season tour only to welcome new players at their base. Sergio Romero, Fred and Andre Onana flew to the United States in 2015, 2018 and 2023. United decided not to summon Christian Eriksen to Australia in 2022. This summer is a rarity in that there is no international tournament. After the 2026 World Cup, another Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for summer 2027, then is the European Championship and the Copa America in 2028. Having Cunha and Mbeumo in Chicago would be another statement.