Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is facing a selection headache for Monday's match against Everton after striker Matheus Cunha picked up an injury in training
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United trains
Matheus Cunha was injured in Manchester United training(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of Matheus Cunha after the forward picked up an injury in training on Saturday. United face Everton on Monday in the Premier League and are already a forward down, with Benjamin Sesko on the sidelines - and now Cunha is a doubt.
The Brazilian forward had been set for a key role in the match at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim likely to field him as a false No.9 in the absence of Sesko. But news of a possible injury blow arrived via an unusual source on Saturday.
Cunha had been due to switch on the Christmas lights in Altrincham on Saturday evening. But the 26-year-old ending up pulling out of the ceremonial role in the town, prompting a statement.
VisitAltrincham wrote on social media: "Unfortunately, Matheus Cunha has had an accident in training today and will not be able to attend tonight's Christmas Lights Switch on in Altrincham due to medical reasons."
That news worried United fans, who already knew their side had been without Sesko, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo in Friday's training session. But ESPN reports that Cunha has only picked up a 'minor knock', which sounds a lot less worrying than 'accident'.
Nevertheless, Cunha remains a doubt for the Everton match and will be assessed in the run-up to the 8pm kick-off on Monday. He has managed just one goal in 11 appearances for United so far this season following his £62.5million transfer from Wolves in the summer.
Despite his lack of goals, the Brazil international has been a key player for Amorim in attack, blending well with fellow new arrival Bryan Mbeumo. His importance for Monday's game was increased by the news that Sesko had not shaken off the injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham before the international break.
Matheus Cunha applauds
Cunha was supposed to turn on Christmas lights in Altrincham on Saturday
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"He is going to be a few weeks out," Amorim said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. "Not that serious, we have to be careful. He is feeling better."
Amorim said Mainoo would be assessed in Saturday's training session, but Maguire was ruled out of Monday's game. "Maguire is not ready," Amorim said. "Kobbie didn’t train today but I think we could see Kobbie tomorrow so we’ll see.”
He added: "There is an opportunity for other players like the under-21s. We will see it is not ideal. They are so important in our team."
United are 10th in the Premier League table following Saturday's matches. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and could end the weekend in the top four, if results go their way.
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