Wolverhampton Wanderers

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

News of your star player's possible summer exit breaking just as you have secured your Premier League status for another season is not ideal as as a fan.

But that is the reality for Wolves supporters after it emerged on Tuesday that Manchester United are interested in signing forward Matheus Cunha.

With 16 goals and four assists across all competitions this campaign, the 25 year old's numbers have been impressive.

But how worried do fans need to be about the possibility of life without Cunha?

Maybe not as concerned as they once could have been.

While the sample size of matches without the Brazil international in the side is much smaller (13 as opposed 62), according to Opta, Wolves do boast a better win percentage across all competitions over the past two seasons when he has not played - 61.5% without Cunha against 29% with.

With 91 goals scored in games he has featured and 18 netted when has not, the average number of goals for is remarkably similar (1.5 with vs 1.4 without).

The team also tend to concede less when he has not been on the pitch, averaging 1.9 with him and 1.2 without.

When looking at the Premier League alone over the past two seasons, while again a similar difference in sample size, Wolves have picked up more points without the forward in the team - taking 1.1 points per game when Cunha does play, compared to 1.7 when he does not.

With 12 goals and three assists in 34 games this campaign, a key factor has been striker Jorgen Strand Larsen stepping up in Cunha's absence.

While no team ever wants to lose their top scorer, perhaps it is possible for Wolves to breathe a little easier if they ultimately have to say goodbye to Cunha this summer.

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Image source, PA Media

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions as we approach the final handful of games.

Nick asked: Hi Phil, a bit of a multi-question about Wolves. Do you think their current form bodes well for next season? Do you think Wolves look better without Matheus Cunha and do you think he is showing he lacks the mentals by claiming he wants to win titles while looking likely to join a mess that is Manchester United?

Phil replied: Hello, Nick. Having seen a bit of Wolves recently, I do think their form bodes well for next season. Vitor Pereira has done a top-class job but it is now about recruitment in the summer. There are some really talented players there to build on.

I think Wolves would miss a player of Cunha's class but they will get a fee of £62.5m if he goes, so then it will give them a chance to work smartly in the markets.

There has been a lot of noise around Cunha and I expect him to go.

Whether he ends up at Old Trafford remains to be seen but, strange as it might sound after this season, Manchester United will always hold a special appeal for players.

How would Wolves fare without Cunha?

Could they be better off?

Let us know your thoughts

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Wolves

Wolves may have already made positive progress in their sustainability ambitions but they know there are still a "huge number of opportunities" to take it further.

The impact of climate change is being felt in many different ways and football is not immune to these.

Previous research, external has suggested one in four professional football pitches will be at risk from flooding in 25 years.

While so much of the focus is what is happening on the pitch, there is an increasing expectation from supporters that clubs should be doing more to reduce their impact off it.

In the second part of our Earth Day chat with Thom Rawson, Wolves' sustainability lead highlighted how important this relationship with fans has been to their One Pack, One Planet sustainability programme.

"A key part of [developing the strategy] was a fan survey to confirm this is something that fans wanted," Rawson said.

"The results of that survey told us that around 70-80% of fans agreed it was important for the club to be pursuing and agreed they had an expectation that the club should be acting on sustainability.

"A similar number also said they supported the idea of having to make changes themselves in support of the club's sustainability ambition."

As part of the plan to engage supporters in the One Pack, One Planet work, Wolves have set up a fan focus group for environmental sustainability, similar to those that already existed in areas like ticketing and matchday experience.

"It [the focus group] gives fans who are interested and proactive on this subject an opportunity to directly shape the direction of travel for the club," Rawson added.

"It also gives them the chance to engage directly with those who are leading it in different areas of the club."

On 9 April, Wolves announced they would be offering supporters a free cycle ride to the club's final four Molineux fixtures - the latest initiative with Transport for West Midlands.

It is this kind of work that has been highlighted in their latest sustainability report, external, which Rawson believes shows "the real impact that the sustainability programme is delivering.

"Annual sustainability reports are a really good opportunity for us to reflect on the success of the programme and how much has been happening over the previous year.

"However, clearly that doesn't mean that we are stopping there. We know that there are a huge number of opportunities to continue to pursue."

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Wolves

Sustainability in football remains a growing area, but it is one where Wolves want to be "leading the way".

In February 2023, the club launched their One Pack, One Planet sustainability programme - a project with four commitments in carbon, waste, nature and culture.

"The programme is embedded across the club," Wolves sustainability lead Thom Rawson told BBC Sport. "It's within every single department so everyone understands what their role is in delivering against those overarching sustainability ambitions.

"There has always been good sustainability activities at the club, but the opportunity was there with creating an overriding identity for the sustainability programme, which is what One Pack, One Planet is.

"Bringing all those activities together creates this common way of thinking about it and a common way of communicating about it with fans so that we can tell a holistic story of how the club is acting on it."

Tuesday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect on progress and understand future opportunities to be more sustainable.

Earlier in 2025, two years after the project's launch, Wolves released a progress report, external. Among the highlights of the past 12 months were the reduction in carbon emissions from energy and fuel by 71%, launching a free bus travel scheme for season ticket-holders and the introduction of reusable cups at Molineux.

In January, the club also hosted their dedicated One Pack, One Planet focus fixtures for the men's and women's teams, providing an opportunity to introduce a new matchday recycling initiative and raise awareness of the programme and its sustainability work.

"Fundamentally, the club recognises that it has a responsibility, in terms of its platform, its importance within the local community and within the city of Wolverhampton," Rawson said. "That is the kind of platform that can have an impact nationally, and globally as well.

"It is the feeling of responsibility combined with wanting to lead and evolving best practice to be seen across the the football industry and to be positioned as a club that is leading and being proactive to do things in the right way."

Come back later on Tuesday to find out more about Wolves' sustainability drive

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

As Wolves fans taunted Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford for being "just a rubbish Ruben Neves", it sparked a comparison in my mind between our current midfield duo of Joao Gomes and Andre and former club legends Neves and Joao Moutinho.

Gomes and Andre bring a burning energy and drive that unsettles opposing midfields. Their pressing, hunger and ability to play crisp, tight passes put pressure on opponents, almost taunting them to commit before breaking forward.

This "bait-and-spring" style often draws defenders out, forcing mistakes and letting Gomes surge through lines to launch Wolves on the attack. Off the ball, both players work tirelessly, creating triangles with team-mates and providing safe options while opening up space for quick switches or overloads.

Wolves fans will always treasure the era shaped by Neves and Moutinho. That pair brought technical excellence, elegance and intelligence to midfield, highlighted by Neves' long-range goals and Moutinho's calm control. And yet, when facing teams that sat deep, they sometimes found it difficult to break down packed defences or coax opponents out of their shape.

Gomes and Andre, on the other hand, thrive on chaos and relentless pressing. The Brazilian pair overwhelm opponents with their intensity and directness, turning games with quick transitions and aggressive ball-winning.

Vitor Pereira wants instant control after winning the ball, a key reason why Gomes and Andre are now vital. Their chemistry anchors the team, providing an invaluable foundation for building possession or launching counter-attacks.

It is hard to say whether Gomes and Andre are better than Neves and Moutinho - they are just different. While nostalgia will always surround the Portuguese duo, the new partnership deserves patience.

Given time, Gomes and Andre could become just as iconic in their own way.

What do you think? Would you rather have Andre and Gomes or Neves and Moutinho? Tell us why here

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Manchester United are nearing an agreement with Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, but they will still need to activate his £62.5m release clause. (Mail), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League win at Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: Excellent result from a hard-working team performance. We have definitely played better this season and lost. The free-kick was worthy of winning any game. Vitor Pereira should be manager of the year for how he has transformed this team. Onwards and upwards.

Paul: Awesome display. Vitor Pereira is unreal, a top manager. Next season, Wolves will be top 10.

Simon: If only we'd bought Pereira in at the beginning of the season. We just seem to be able to find a way. The in-form team.

Ivan: Five wins on the bounce, but all have been against teams in the bottom half of the league. We still need a major overhaul in the summer to compete properly next season.

Michael: Not the best display under Vitor but it's the 3 points that matter. The progress we have made since he arrived has been nothing short of incredible and we looked a completely different team from the first half of the season. Highly likely that at least one of our players (Matheus Cunha) will be leaving in the summer, but with the right investment and backing the manager, I'm excited for what we could achieve next season.

John: Five on the bounce! Pereira is the man! First the points, then the pints! Wolves, ay we?

David: Not a great first half from Wolves. Contained United and restricted chances. In the second half, we were much better. Pressed more and won more second balls. The midfield was excellent in the later stages and it was a well deserved three points. Pablo Sarabia can change things when he comes on.

Richard: Shocking game. Very much an end of season affair. Great goal though. Incredible recent record for Wolves - best in the league I think?

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to Sunday's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Ipswich Town 0-4 Arsenal

• Manchester United 0-1 Wolves

• Leicester City 0-1 Liverpool

Leeds United are lining up a £10m move for 32-year-old Wolves and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. (Sun), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira speaking to Sky Sports after their 1-0 win over Man Utd: "It was not our best match. Technically and tactically, we know that we can play better. We played with our souls, with our spirit and that is what I saw in the game. The supporters believed and the moment that we had a chance, we scored."

On Pablo Sarabia: "He works a lot on the free-kicks. I like him a lot as a player and a person because he has the character that I like.

"We have quality in the squad. The confidence was not in a high level when we arrived but we start to give them confidence and in the end the results help to build something. We are building something good for the future. We have to go into the next game and believe and with our supporters we can do it."

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have completed a league double over Manchester United for the first time since the 1979-80 campaign.

Were you at the game or following elsewhere?

Have your say on Man Utd's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Four matches make up Sunday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Fulham v Chelsea

• Ipswich v Arsenal

• Manchester United v Wolves

• Leicester v Liverpool (16:30 BST)

All kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Wolves have already beaten Manchester United once this season and, on current form, they are favourites this time too.

Vitor Pereira's side are flying with four straight wins, and we know how inconsistent United are.

I am going to give Bruno Fernandes a goal, because he has been one of the few United players who can hold their head up high with their performances this season, but at the moment Wolves look well-balanced, and they are the better team.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier, we asked you to name the current Wolves player from a series of clues.

The correct answer is Nelson Semedo.

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Manchester United (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• The fitness of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matt Doherty will be assessed before the trip to Old Trafford - both players were withdrawn during the win over Tottenham. Hwang Hee-chan has a muscle problem and is also doubtful. Pereira said their injuries are not serious.

• On the mood in training this week: "After the game against Ipswich [earlier in April] I felt the team relaxed a little bit - but just for one day and one training session. We had a conversation and we corrected the feeling. This week, I haven't felt that [perceived relaxation]."

• He added: "The team is committed. They know we have a lot of work to do and the work is not done. We have a lot of points to fight for and we have a team with ambition. I believe we will compete in every game until the end [of the season]."

• On the improvements his players have made since Pereira's arrival since December: "We have more confidence with the ball, we are consistent when we are defending and we know exactly what to do, and we made a step forward with tactical maturity. But we need to keep going to improve."

• On Manchester United's remarkable Europa League victory over Lyon on Thursday: "A massive win and this is the kind of win that brings confidence. I believe we'll face a team more confident. But as I've said since the beginning, it's about us."

Listen to commentary of Manchester United v Wolves on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:00 on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Following their 2-0 win on 26 December, Wolves are looking to complete their first league double over Manchester United since 1979-80.

United have won all four of their home league games played on Easter Sunday by an aggregate score of 9-1.

If Wolves win this game, they would be level on points with Manchester United in the Premier League table. Before Vitor Pereira's first game in charge on 22 December, they trailed the Red Devils by 13 points.

Guess the current Wolves player from these three clues:

• I represented my country at Euro 2024 and reached the quarter-final stage.

• I made my 150th Premier League appearance for Wolves in January.

• My only Premier League goal to date was scored against Manchester United.

Come back to this page at 17:00 BST for the answer

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Are we still in the same season as the trudge up to Christmas?

Sunday at Molineux was good old-fashioned family fun. Wolves led all the way. The South Bank worked through its favourite tunes. Jorgen Strand Larsen scored another goal, then stood aside for Matheus Cunha to make his comeback, directing the crowd to applaud Cunha as he entered the field like Jimmy Tarbuck introducing Bruce Forsyth at the Royal Variety Performance. Cunha's goal cued in the show's closing big number, the South Bank's new smash-hit "First the points, then the pints", with Vitor Pereira himself leading the rhythmic clapping. Now that's entertainment. If only the season could go on a bit longer, eh?

Last weekend's results set up the amusing prospect of Wolves overtaking both Tottenham – who generously played their fall-guy parts with some slapstick defending – and Manchester United, where Pereira's travelling show pitches up this Sunday. That would be a concrete achievement from where he took them over in December, and a better look than merely celebrating survival.

It would also be a realistic goal to help maintain their momentum in the closing weeks of the season, and Pereira will want his team to have a hare to chase. In a sense, next season should start now: with survival all but mathematically assured, there is no reason for Wolves to delay their planning towards the squad they would like to have in place next August.

George Lakin made a good observation on this page this week, comparing Pereira to Claudio Ranieri. Emulating his achievements at Leicester might be a stretch, but after the travails of this season, Wolves are better equipped now to move forward than they were just over a year ago – only one year! – after Gary O'Neil had led them unexpectedly into the top half of the table.

After the FA Cup quarter-final – when injuries had exposed the lack of depth in his squad – the energy quickly drained from O'Neil's team and, so it seemed, the manager himself. Yes, the fixtures at the start of this season made things a lot harder, but once the momentum was lost, the situation quickly ran out of control.

Wolves made some decisions under pressure in midwinter that worked out well. That pressure is off now, but the experience of last spring should impress upon the club the need to make positive moves this summer, to ensure the energy Pereira's team have generated is not wasted. Football does not stand still to admire progress. Clubs that stop moving forwards quickly slide.

Listen to full commentary of Man Utd v Wolves at 14:00 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio WM (95.6 FM/DAB/Freeview)

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights.