'Absolute nonsense': managers deny Cunha transfer as player trains and squad is named

Both managers and the player’s representatives issued separate, unequivocal denials on Sunday of reports linking Matheus Cunha to Arsenal, after a story originating from an anonymous social media account circulated widely before collapsing under scrutiny from journalists who found no corroboration.

“Absolute nonsense,” Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said when asked at his pre-match news conference at Old Trafford. “He is not for sale. He is not going anywhere. He is committed to this club.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking at a separate briefing, was equally dismissive. “I have no idea where this comes from. We do not comment on fabricated stories.”

Representatives for Cunha issued a written statement through agent Jorge Mendes’s agency describing the claims as “completely fabricated” and confirming that neither the player nor his representatives had been contacted by Arsenal or any intermediary in connection with a transfer.

The original report was traced to an account created fewer than six weeks prior to publication, with fewer than 400 followers and no identifiable prior engagement with football journalism. The account’s single post was written without attribution or sourcing and was shared thousands of times before senior correspondents covering both clubs publicly stated they had found nothing to support it.

Two Manchester United board members told club staff directly on Friday that no approach had been received from Arsenal and that the club had not entered any discussions regarding Cunha’s departure. United team officials described internal morale as unaffected by the reports.