Manchester United are anxiously awaiting news on the health of Matheus Cunha, who suffered an injury during training on Saturday. Already at a disadvantage with Benjamin Sesco sidelined, the Red Devils face the possibility of Cunha being unavailable for Monday’s Premier League game against Everton.
The Brazilian striker is expected to play a central role in the clash at Old Trafford, with manager Ruben Amorim likely to use him as a false number nine in Sesco’s absence. However, an unexpected announcement on Saturday cast doubt on his participation. Mr Cunha was planning to turn on the Christmas lights in Altrincham on Saturday evening. However, the 26-year-old was forced to withdraw from the celebratory event, leading to a public statement.
Visit Altrincham posted on social media: “Unfortunately, Mateus Cunha was involved in an accident during training today and due to health reasons will be unable to attend tonight’s Altrincham Christmas Lights display.”
The revelation caused concern among United supporters, who already knew that Sesco, Harry Maguire and Koby Mainu missed Friday’s training session. However, ESPN suggests that Cunha suffered only a “minor impact” and is less worrisome than an “accident.”
Despite this, Cunha’s availability for the game against Everton remains uncertain and will be assessed ahead of Monday’s 8pm kick-off. He has scored just once in 11 appearances for United this season since joining from Wolves for £62.5 million in the summer.
Despite his lack of goalscoring ability, the Brazilian international has emerged as a key figure in Amorim’s attack, forming a promising partnership with new signing Brian Mbeumo.
His importance for Monday’s match has been further heightened after it was confirmed that Sesco remains sidelined after suffering the shock blow during the 2-2 stalemate at Tottenham before the international break.
“He will be out for a few weeks,” Amorim revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference. “It’s not that serious. We need to be careful. He’s feeling better.”
Amorim confirmed that Mainu would undergo a fitness test during Saturday’s training, but Maguire has been definitively ruled out of Monday’s encounter.
“Maguire is not ready,” Amorim said. “Coby didn’t train today, but I think I’ll see him tomorrow, so let’s take a look.”
He added: “Other players also have opportunities, like the under-21 players. You can see that it’s not ideal. They’re very important to the team.”
After Saturday’s game, United currently sit 10th in the Premier League.
They are unbeaten in their last five league games and could move into the top four by the end of the weekend if results go in their favor.
