Manchester United are anxiously awaiting news on the fitness of Matheus Cunha after the forward sustained an injury during Saturday’s training session. The Red Devils, who are already a man down with Benjamin Sesko out of action, now face the possibility of Cunha being ruled out for their Premier League clash against Everton on Monday.
The Brazilian striker was expected to play a pivotal role in the Old Trafford showdown, with manager Ruben Amorim likely to deploy him as a false No. 9 in Sesko’s absence. However, an unexpected announcement on Saturday has cast doubt over his participation. Cunha was scheduled to switch on the Christmas lights in Altrincham on Saturday evening. But the 26-year-old had to withdraw from the festive event, leading to an official statement.
VisitAltrincham posted on social media: “Unfortunately, Matheus Cunha has had an accident in training today and will not be able to attend tonight’s Christmas Lights Switch on in Altrincham due to medical reasons.”
This revelation sparked concern among United supporters, who were already aware that Sesko, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo missed Friday’s training session. However, ESPN suggests that Cunha has suffered only a ‘minor knock’, which seems less alarming than an ‘accident’.
Despite this, Cunha’s availability for the Everton game remains uncertain and he will be evaluated ahead of the 8pm kick-off on Monday. Since his £62.5million move from Wolves in the summer, he has netted just once in 11 appearances for United this season.
Despite his goalscoring drought, the Brazil international has emerged as a crucial figure in Amorim’s attacking setup, forming a promising partnership with new signing Bryan Mbeumo.
His significance for Monday’s clash was heightened following confirmation that Sesko remains sidelined with the knock sustained during the 2-2 stalemate against Tottenham prior to the international break.
“He is going to be a few weeks out,” Amorim revealed during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “Not that serious, we have to be careful. He is feeling better.”
Amorim confirmed Mainoo would undergo a fitness test during Saturday’s training session, whilst Maguire was definitively ruled out of Monday’s encounter.
“Maguire is not ready,” Amorim stated. “Kobbie didn’t train today but I think we could see Kobbie tomorrow so we’ll see.”
He added: “There is an opportunity for other players like the under-21s. We will see it is not ideal. They are so important in our team.”
United currently occupy 10th position in the Premier League table following Saturday’s fixtures.
They remain undefeated across their previous five league outings and could potentially climb into the top four by the weekend’s conclusion, should results favour them.