Wolves boss confirms shock Matheus Cunha decision amid Man United interest

Vitor Pereira has ruled out starting Matheus Cunha in his return to the Wolves squad after serving a four-match suspension. The reported Manchester United transfer target has been an outstanding performer for Wolves this season, scoring 15 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions.

However, his momentum was halted when he received a straight red card for violent conduct during last month’s FA Cup match against Bournemouth.

The striker admitted to lashing out in an improper manner at Milos Kerkez after being sent off. The red card led to a three-game suspension, but the Football Association (FA) handed him an additional one-game ban and fined him £50,000.

Cunha will now return to the fold for Wolves' Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday. However, Pereira has admitted he will play the same team meaning the Brazilian will start from the bench.

"What is fair? It's fair to keep going with the same team," Pereira said in his press-conference on Friday. "That is my opinion. This is football, this is commitment, leadership. Matheus will come to help us, he understands, I had a conversation with him, but I will play the same team."

When quizzed if his team had changed shape during Cunha's absence, the Wolves boss added: "Yes I think so. Tactically when we are attacking we are doing different movements. I am asking different things than when I started.

"When you start to put more and more things on the system, the system will show you that we can do a lot of things differently. We are trying to improve our style of play, especially with the ball."

Cunha has enjoyed another season in the Premier League and has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs.

With United considering a summer move, according to