Matheus Cunha could return in time to face Liverpool, as Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick revealed he's hopeful for positive news after no setbacks in training
15:43, 01 May 2026
Michael Carrick is hopeful that Matheus Cunha will be available to face Liverpool
Michael Carrick is hopeful that Matheus Cunha will be available to face Liverpool(Image: 2026 Marc Atkins)
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is "hopeful" that Matheus Cunha will be fit for Sunday's game against Liverpool at Old Trafford after he returned to training.
Cunha missed United's last game against Brentford due to a sore hip flexor, but has returned to training and is trending in the right direction. Cunha has eight goals and two assists in 30 Premier League games this season, and his return would be a huge boost for Carrick.
Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker, and could now lose Milos Kerkez after he suffered a knock in training. Both teams are expected to finish inside the top five this season, but Sunday's game is huge for both fan bases.
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Cunha's status for Sunday has not yet been officially confirmed, but Carrick was optimistic about his chances. The United head coach said that Matthijs de Ligt is the only confirmed absentee, as he continues to struggle with a back injury.
"No, we’re in good shape really," Carrick said in Friday's press conference. "Matheus has done a little bit of work so we’re hopeful, we’re not sure but we’re hopeful. So obviously Matta’s still a little bit further, he’s not involved in the game but other than that, yeah, we’re in good shape."
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without Salah after he suffered a minor hamstring injury. Slot hopes that the winger can return before the end of the season, but he should be fit to represent Egypt at the FIFA World Cup.
Mohamed Salah was forced off during the second half of Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace
Mohamed Salah was forced off during the second half of Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
"It is a big relief that his injury is minor and he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If a player deserves a big send-off, then it is Mo," Slot said.
Slot also confirmed that Alisson is closing in on a return to training, but won't be back in time to face United. Freddie Woodman is set to start at Old Trafford, and Liverpool has yet to lose with him in the net.
The bragging rights are on offer at Old Trafford, as United could guarantee Champions League soccer with a win, completing the double over Liverpool for the first time since 2015-16.
Cunha missed United's narrow 2-1 win over Brentford
Cunha missed United's narrow 2-1 win over Brentford(Image: 2026 Marc Atkins)
A win for Liverpool would move them level with United in the standings, but they'd jump ahead of them on goal difference. "We are aware of the fact it's a very big game," Slot said of Sunday's clash.
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"Not only because we play Manchester United but also to qualify for Champions League and to get the highest possible finish in the league table. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League for any club but definitely for our club."
Carrick played in this rivalry countless times as a United player, and will face Liverpool at Old Trafford for the first time as head coach. "Certainly one of my favourite games, yeah, without doubt," Carrick said. "I think it’s a standout game.
"I think there’s obviously big games and big rivalries that we have with other teams, but certainly this one is right up there in the history, the ups and downs the past has produced in these type of games, and the excitement and entertainment, and the emotion, which is a huge part of it. It makes it a really special game."