The day began with breathless transfer reports trending in three countries. It ended with two Premier League managers standing before separate banks of microphones and reaching, almost simultaneously, for the same two words.
"Absolute nonsense," said Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's manager, at his pre-match news conference at Carrington on Wednesday morning, when asked about widespread reports linking Matheus Cunha to a move to Arsenal.
Six miles south, at Arsenal's training complex in London Colney, Mikel Arteta was asked the same question. "Absolute nonsense," he said, apparently unaware he was echoing his counterpart almost verbatim. "I don't know where this comes from. We are focused entirely on Saturday's match."
The denials came after a morning in which several British outlets — citing sources close to negotiations — reported that Jorge Mendes, the super-agent who represents Cunha, had held meetings with directors from both clubs over the past 72 hours. The initial report, which originated on a Portuguese football website before being picked up by two London tabloids, claimed the fee had been agreed at £62 million, rising to £72 million with add-ons.
"Absolute nonsense. I don't know where this comes from. We are focused entirely on Saturday's match."
By noon, Cunha himself had appeared on the training ground at Carrington, running alongside United teammates in footage quickly circulated on social media. He appeared relaxed, laughing with Marcus Rashford and jogging alongside Rasmus Højlund before cameras were removed by club staff.
"He's in our squad for Thursday," Amorim confirmed, referring to United's upcoming Europa League fixture against Braga. "I will not keep repeating this — these stories do not come from us. Matheus is happy here. He is one of our most important players."
United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, later issued a statement through the club's official channels. "There has been no approach from Arsenal or any other club for Matheus Cunha in this transfer window," it read. "We consider this matter closed."
At Arsenal, the mood was similarly dismissive. Arteta noted that the club had made no significant additions in the January window and that their focus remained on consolidating their league position. Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind Liverpool with 15 matches remaining.
Mendes's office declined to comment. A spokesperson for Arsenal said the club "does not comment on speculation." United issued the same statement.
Still, the story refused to die. By Thursday morning, several outlets were reporting that while the January move was off, both clubs retained an interest in a summer deal, and that Cunha's contract situation — he has 18 months remaining — would make him an attractive proposition in the coming window.
Cunha, 26, joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2024 for a reported £65 million. He has scored 11 goals and contributed eight assists across all competitions this season, making him one of the Premier League's more consistent performers despite United's erratic form under Amorim.