Matheus Cunha has been sidelined for Manchester United’s last two games due to a head injury, but the Brazil international has now returned to training
Matheus Cunha has confirmed his return to Manchester United training after a two-game absence due to a head injury. Ruben Amorim had previously stated that he expected the Brazilian star to be fit for their upcoming match against West Ham United this Thursday, and with Cunha now back in training, it seems likely he’ll be available.
In a recent press conference, Amorim confirmed Cunha’s potential return date, stating: “I expect to have Matheus in the next one [West Ham United], not this one [vs Crystal Palace].”
Without their summer signing, United suffered a disappointing defeat to ten-man Everton, but bounced back impressively with a 2-1 victory away to Crystal Palace last Sunday. Goals coming from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount at Selhurst Park could mean Cunha starts on the bench for his comeback game.
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Amorim will undoubtedly be pleased to have Cunha back in his squad though, and it’s clear the player himself is also delighted. Via an Instagram story with Cunha in full training gear at Carrington, he stated: “Back back back.”
In terms of a possible fresh injury blow, there was concern over Bruno Fernandes as he was seen limping towards the end of the win over Palace. However, Amorim seemed to confirm that the Portuguese midfielder would be fine to play in future matches.
“It was a kick, I was shouting at him because he needs to learn we make a substitution in the end, he needs to talk to the bench,” he said. “But he said it was just a kick, so everything is OK.”
The Portuguese manager will certainly require his captain’s presence during the upcoming hectic period, as United face their most congested fixture list since their Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town.
After hosting the Hammers, United make the trip to Molineux to face Wolves next Monday night before welcoming Bournemouth for another evening fixture a week later. Their final match before Christmas sees them take on Aston Villa, followed by a Boxing Day encounter at St James’ Park against Newcastle United.
Lisandro Martinez is expected to make his first start in more than nine months during this run of fixtures, having made a brief substitute appearance in last Sunday’s match against Palace.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined with a knee complaint sustained during the Tottenham Hotspur fixture, while Harry Maguire continues his recovery from a muscle injury picked up in that same encounter.
Amorim provided updates on both players during last week’s press conference, indicating that while returns could be imminent, neither player is quite match-ready.
“Sesko is going to take a little bit more time. It will take a little bit longer, and we are taking care of him,” he said. “Harry is the same [he will need more time].”
However, despite these cautious remarks, the Slovenian international has not experienced any complications and remains on course to feature in the Wolves fixture later this month.
