Why Is Matheus Cunha Not Playing Tonight for Manchester United vs Brentford?

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Why Is Matheus Cunha Not Playing Tonight for Manchester United vs Brentford?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pragjyoti Singh | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 2:20 PM ET

The matchwinner from Manchester United’s win against Chelsea, Matheus Cunha, won't be featuring against Brentford tonight.

Michael Carrick was hit with the late fitness blow, as the Brazilian has been a crucial part of the team’s revival under the Englishman and has scored eight goals and four assists in 30 Premier League appearances.

Cunha was replaced by Mason Mount in the 81st minute at Stamford Bridge after scoring the only goal of the match when United defeated Chelsea 1-0.

Why Is Matheus Cunha Not Playing for Manchester United vs Brentford?

Matheus Cunha has been ruled out of tonight's match against Brentford due to groin discomfort.

While he played a key role and scored the winner in the recent victory over Chelsea, the Brazilian underwent scans earlier this week that confirmed he wasn't fit enough to feature in the squad today.

Matheus Cunha United breaks away from Boubacar Kamara during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United.Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The official team sheet shows that Michael Carrick has brought Amad Diallo into the starting lineup as his direct replacement.

Harry Maguire also returns to the defense today, while Cunha's absence means the attacking responsibilities will fall on Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.

The medical staff is currently focused on getting him ready for the upcoming fixture against Liverpool, and he was left out tonight as a precautionary measure.

The 26-year-old has played an important role in the Manchester United squad after signing for the club in 2025.

He was the first major acquisition under Ruben Amorim as part of a summer rebuild following the club's 15th-place finish the previous season.

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He has scored 3 goals and 3 assists so far under Michael Carrick, who often deploys Cunha in a more traditional winger role.

In positive news for Michael Carrick, Patrick Dorgu has been included in the squad for Brentford and is returning after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal in January.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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