Manchester United face rivals Liverpool on Sunday, but the return of Matheus Cunha, who missed out on the win against Brentford, could give them a boost.
Matheus Cunha is in contention to feature against Liverpool this weekend (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are optimistic that Matheus Cunha could be included in the squad for Sunday’s game against Liverpool after he returned to training at Carrington this week.
The Brazilian missed Monday’s game against Brentford at Old Trafford with a hip flexor strain, but is now in contention to return in what is sure to be a blockbuster game.
Luke Shaw also limped off his win against the Bees. With this result, United are now just one win away from returning to the Champions League. Carrick did not provide a specific update on the left-back, but confirmed the squad was in good health, with Matthijs de Ligt the only player still out with a back injury.
Manchester Evening News quoted Carrick as saying: “Mateus has done a little bit of work so I’m hopeful. I’m not sure, but I’m hopeful. Mata is still a little further away and hasn’t been involved in the game.”
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The 44-year-old will be in the dugout for United’s first game against Liverpool, chasing two Premier League points ahead of Arne Slott’s side following their 2-1 win at Anfield earlier in the season.
Carrick relished the opportunity, admitting it was always the first match he looked for as a player and one he thoroughly enjoyed playing against. The game will be a 3-4 clash heading into the weekend, with United holding a three-point cushion.
Michael Carrick gave an update on Cunha at Friday’s press conference (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
“It’s definitely one of my favorite games,” he said. “This is an outstanding game. There are big games and big rivalries with other teams, but this is right up there. The history, the ups and downs, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion is what makes this game really special.
“To be in such a good position going into this game shows that the group is growing and getting stronger. We are very aware of the situation in the league and how close it is. This is a one-off game. They are a good team and won the league this year (last year). We are treating this as a one-off game and the league position is what it is.”
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