Manchester United face struggling West Ham on Thursday night in search of a repeat Premier League title, but the Red Devils could welcome the return of key players.
Manchester United star Matheus Cunha is back in contention for Thursday’s game against West Ham, but doubts remain over two mysterious stars. The Brazilian missed the Red Devils’ last two matches against Everton and Crystal Palace due to a minor issue.
However, United could have the former Wolves star back in contention this week. Cunha has returned to training and is available to play.
Despite this positive news, manager Ruben Amorim could have a headache on his hands as several of United’s star players are potentially doubtful, although the Portuguese manager did not reveal who they are.
“There are two questions going into this game, and that will change the way we approach it. Let’s see if they can play,” United’s head coach said in his pre-match press conference. “The rest of the team is doing well. Mateus is back. Harry and Sesco are still out.”
Either way, Cunha’s return would be a big boost as United have some problems in attack. The 26-year-old has scored just one goal since joining from Wolves for £62.5m, but Amorim believes there is more to come.
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He added: “He still has a level to go. He’s at a different club and the pressure is different. He was struggling to score and was thinking too much about numbers, but his influence in the team is important for us.”
Cunha’s return could force the United manager to decide to change his team. Dutch forward Joshua Zirksee has been leading the charge in recent weeks and scored his first goal of the season in the come-from-behind win over Crystal Palace last time out.
Another star that Amorim decided to replace is central defender Lenny Yolo. The Frenchman has endured a difficult few weeks, but Amorim supported the defender to overcome his problems.
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“That’s really important. I talked to him too, because he overthinks and makes mistakes and then struggles. He wants to do everything well. He’s growing through games and setbacks, which as a young player is not easy. He’s growing.”
“He can’t show people what he was when he came on the bench, he knows that. It shows he cares and he knows it wasn’t his best game.”
Following their clash with West Ham, United will now turn their attention to a showdown with bottom-of-the-table Wolves at Molineux on Monday night.
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