Matheus Cunha generated attention from Wolves fans as he returned to the starting XI against Chelsea.
The Brazilian was making the headlines before the fixture at Stamford Bridge, as contract talks with Cunha have stalled.
Despite the ongoing noise away from the action, Vitor Pereira started Cunha against the Blues as the Old Gold eyed a result in the capital.
Pereira made three changes to his side to face Chelsea, setting his team up with the hope of taking the game to the hosts.
Eagle-eyed Wolves fans spot Matheus Cunha exchange with Vitor Pereira
In the first half of action at Stamford Bridge, fans were unable to get a glimpse of the magic that Cunha can provide.
Before the game, Pereira admitted he’d be ‘happy’ to see Cunha join a ‘big club’ with some fans questioning whether talk had gone to the Brazil international’s head.
“All the noise has gone to Cunha’s head ain’t it,” a concerned Wolves fan said on X.
Talk of the first half was dominated by Cunha’s lack of effort on the pitch, with eagle-eyed fans noticing a frosty exchange between the player and the Wolves manager.
“Cunha and the gaffer having concerning words?” A supporter asked as another responded, “Cunha doesn’t look happy.”
Following the interaction on the touchline, which saw Pereira give his forward instructions, reactions to the incident flooded in on social media.
“Cunha with a face like a slapped backside talking to VP. Wheels are coming off.”
* “Attitude stinks,” another fan said of Cunha, with others joining by expressing their dissatisfaction with the transfer-linked forward’s actions.
- “Miles off it he is.”
- “Cunha putting in less than 0 effort today.”
- “Shocking. I’d yank him off if he won’t try.”
- “He’s been walking everywhere, getting annoying tbf”
Supporters wanted to see more effort from Cunha, while some wanted to see more respect for the manager from the 25-year-old, who has been the topic of attention in the transfer window.
Cunha’s future uncertain as January transfer window ticks on
It was only weeks ago that Cunha verbally agreed a new contract with Wolves and still, the Brazilian hasn’t put pen to paper.
The situation is rather worrying for Wolves, as Fabrizio Romano mentioned Arsenal’s interest in Cunha when outlining the player’s contract dilemma.
With a transfer saga already ongoing due to Mario Lemina’s desire to leave Molineux, the last thing Pereira needs is another player on the fence.
It might be that Cunha was having an off-day against Chelsea however, his actions in the first half were far from acceptable when the stakes couldn’t be higher.