Matheus Cunha Out Injured Vs Burnley - What Happened to the Manchester United Star?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Manchester United dominated Burnley in the first half of their third-round Premier League match of the 2025/26 season, but lost Matheus Cunha to injury just before halftime. The Brazilian midfielder/forward is a key part of Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup, and his absence is a major blow.

United is already short on available players. A few key squad members—Jadon Sancho, Lisandro Martínez, and Tyrell Malacia—are training separately and won’t be used in this match. Meanwhile, Hasmus Halund, who might have replaced Cunha in attack, has flown to Rome for medical tests ahead of a loan move to Napoli. Former Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko was not chosen to come on in Cunha’s place.

Cunha has been one of Amorim’s most-used players in the first four games of the season, including the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. Around the 30th minute, he went down with a muscle injury.

While Manchester United have not confirmed the specifics, reports suggest it may be a posterior chain injury in the left leg. He was immediately substituted, with Joshua Zirkzee taking over in the forward position.

Ruben Amorim's reaction says it all when Matheus Cunha went down injured pic.twitter.com/UvJNAjQKpX
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) August 30, 2025

United "Short" On Strikers - Amorim Chose To Left Sesko Out

Matheus Cunha is versatile, capable of playing as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. Against Burnley, he was deployed as a striker, while Antony made his first appearance of the season as Real Betis are still finalizing his signing.

With Holund out on loan at Napoli, the other options for the forward role were Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee—Amorim opted for Zirkzee over the former Leipzig striker.

This decision has sent ripples through the Premier League and Manchester United fanbase, as many expected Sesko to start. While some managers prefer to give new players time to adapt, United may not have the luxury of sitting Sesko out—he needs minutes on the pitch to build rhythm.

In the Carabao Cup loss against Grimsby Town, Sesko started and successfully converted his penalty in the shootout.

You’re still yet to score a PL goal but your main striker is still an unused substitute even after Cunha’s injury.

So why did Amorim sign Sesko? It looks like the Manchester United board needs to speak to Ruben – Zikzee is better than Sesko?

I’m sure Sesko will now probably… pic.twitter.com/1wqmPkhbCA
— Nana Aboagye (@NJAboagye) August 30, 2025