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Matheus Cunha’s absence from Man United vs Bournemouth explained as Ruben Amorim reveals return timeline

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 6:31 AM ET

Matheus Cunha was nowhere to be seen in Manchester United’s squad for their pre-season match against Bournemouth.

Manchester United kicked off their 2025 US pre-season tour with a 2-1 win over West Ham and now have Bournemouth next up in the Premier League Summer Series.

Ruben Amorim has already stated that Bryan Mbeumo’s debut will have to wait, with the £65m signing still working on reaching full fitness.

Cunha, who moved to United for £62.5m at the start of the window, has impressed during pre-season so far.

Bournemouth vs Manchester United: Why Matheus Cunha was left out

Cunha wasn’t included in the lineup against Bournemouth as a precaution following a minor injury picked up earlier in training. The decision wasn’t due to any long-term concern but rather a step taken to avoid unnecessary risk this early in the season.

Cunha is expected back soon enough. Amorim’s comments after the game suggested he should be ready for Newcastle on Sunday, though there’s no rush to push him back too quickly given it’s still early days in pre-season.

Fatigue keeps Matheus Cunha out of United’s line-up

Following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, Amorim imposed early pre-season deadlines to make sure his squad was ready for the summer schedule.

The sessions have been intense, and Amorim explained that Cunha missed the Bournemouth match due to fatigue. “Cunha has fatigue,” Amorim said before kick-off.

Amorim: 'Cunha has fatigue. Need to assess all the players. Have to be careful with everyone. He’s available for the next one. Matheus felt a little bit fatigued. He was ready to play, he wants to give everything but we need to be careful.' #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) July 31, 2025

“Need to assess all the players. Have to be careful with everyone. He’s available for the next one. Matheus felt a little bit fatigued. He was ready to play, he wants to give everything but we need to be careful.”

Cunha is expected back in time for United’s final game of their US tour against Everton.

Your Reds to face the Cherries at #PLSummerSeries

Watch United v Bournemouth LIVE on #MUTV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 31, 2025

After returning home, United will take on Fiorentina at Old Trafford in their last pre-season fixture before opening the season against Arsenal.

Mason Mount gets a shot in Matheus Cunha’s place

With Cunha not involved, Amorim turned to Mason Mount, giving him the start on the left side of the midfield.

Mount is under pressure to turn things around after a tough first season at United. The arrival of Cunha and Mbeumo has pushed him further down the pecking order, but he still has Amorim’s backing.

Amorim: 'Cunha has fatigue. Need to assess all the players. Have to be careful with everyone. He’s available for the next one. Matheus felt a little bit fatigued. He was ready to play, he wants to give everything but we need to be careful.' #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) July 31, 2025

The manager has always spoken highly of Mount, praising his character and work ethic even when injuries kept him sidelined.

Mount will be looking to make a strong start to the new campaign, and getting minutes against Bournemouth is a good chance for him to show what he can offer this season.

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

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