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Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha to miss City clash through injury

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 9:31 AM ET

Matheus Cunha has spent the international break working to regain fitness in hopes of playing in the upcoming Manchester derby.

The striker picked up a thigh injury during Wolves’ 2-0 loss to Brentford back on February 10, and his absence was felt in the following matches, with Gary O’Neil’s side winning just one of their next four games.

Cunha had suggested he was on the mend with a social media update during the break, raising hopes that he might be fit for the trip to Etihad Stadium. But ahead of Saturday’s match against Everton, head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed that Cunha would not be available.

And while there will still be plenty of intrigue surrounding Amorim and O’Neil on Sunday, United could certainly use some added firepower when they cross town to face Pep Guardiola’s side at Etihad Stadium.

Ruben Amorim shares injury news on Matheus Cunha

Cunha has settled in well at United since arriving from Wolves, even though he’s mostly been used as a centre-forward so far.

The 26-year-old will be a big loss for United, and Amorim suggested that the decision to keep him out came from the medical team rather than the player himself.

https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1966480087081243127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“I don’t want to say. If you talk to Cunha outside, he will say he can play this game. They are pushing really hard,” Amorim said when asked about the extent of the injuries.

He also mentioned that Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot won’t be available for selection either.

Amorim added: “They are out for this game, I don’t know how long it’s going to take. We need these guys to be a competitive team. We have very good players, who are eager to play, so we will be competitive on Sunday. But they are out.”

Matheus Cunha’s absence raises questions about Bruno Fernandes role

So far this season, club captain Bruno Fernandes has been pushed back into a deeper central midfield role.

There have been ongoing questions about how this shift affects United’s midfield balance, but with Cunha out, Amorim could push Fernandes back into the more advanced role he played last season.

Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Cunha usually starts in one of the attacking midfield spots alongside Mason Mount. With both unavailable, Benjamin Sesko could step in as the centre-forward after impressing during the international break.

This would allow Fernandes to move up alongside Bryan Mbeumo in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Mainoo and Ugarte are also in contention for a place next to Casemiro in central midfield.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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