Rashford's Debut Ends in Defeat After Wolves Transfer to Man Utd's Rivals

Rashford's Debut Ends in Defeat After Wolves Transfer to Man Utd's Rivals

Written by Raging Rob on July 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM

Matheus Cunha didn't find the back of the net on his Manchester United debut, but it was a hell of a lot smoother than the last mug to have joined the club from Wolves.

United's new Brazilian signing

The Brazil international played 45 minutes of a goalless draw against Leeds in United's pre-season opener. Cunha is United's only new signing this summer after they triggered his £62.5million release clause from Wolves.

The last player to move from Wolves to United

Darren Ferguson and Denis Irwin have both moved in the opposite direction, but the Red Devils rarely poach Wolves' top talent. Jim McCalliog was the last player to be recruited for the first team from the Black Country side on transfer deadline day in 1974. Daniel Nardiello also left Wolves' youth ranks to head to Man United's academy in 1999.

Nardiello's time at United

United beat out their rivals to sign Nardiello, but were ordered to pay Wolves £200,000 in compensation. The forward made just four first-team appearances for United, starting in a League Cup win against Leicester at Old Trafford, and coming on as a substitute in a Champions League tie at Maccabi Haifa.

Nardiello's career after United

After leaving United, Nardiello had a journeyman career in the EFL, including stints at QPR, Blackpool, and Bury, before retiring at Bangor City in 2017. Unlike Cunha, Nardiello has admitted to sometimes wondering what might have happened had he stayed at Molineux all those years ago.

Raging Rob
Raging Rob
Rob is a passionate football fan who loves to share his opinions on the latest news and results. He has a short temper and is known for his rants on the beautiful game.