Manchester United have an extra complication to deal with in the lead up to the Everton game.
An unexpected injury announcement came on Saturday evening, from an unlikely source.
Visit Altrincham claimed: “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.”
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Matheus Cunha had been announced in the lead-up to the event to be attending the lights switch-on ceremony in the town.
The ambiguity of the wording, ‘accident in training’, certainly sparked some concern and mystery among Manchester United fans.
Matheus Cunha playing against Tottenham
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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The update came 48 hours ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League fixture with Everton on Monday night.
And the positive early news is that the injury is not thought to be serious – but as it is a head injury, it was treated with particular care.
Ben Jacobs reports on X: “Matheus Cunha sustained a knock in training today to his head.
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“Understand it is only a minor issue, but enough for him to stay home from a Christmas event in Altrincham.”
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Fallout for Man Utd vs Everton
Manchester United’s preparations for the Everton game are already hampered by Benjamin Sesko being ruled out with a knee problem.
Sesko sustained an injury against Tottenham and is expected to miss around a month of action, at the most.
This has left Ruben Amorim with a dilemma over who will start up front, and in the two positions behind the striker.
Cunha was expected to play a role as a starter somehow – but it is not so certain right now.
There is certainly enough time for him to recover from a knock, but Ruben Amorim has options, and Joshua Zirkzee is aiming to earn a first start of the season.
Zirkzee could start with Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo in behind, and Cunha coming off the bench.
United also have injury doubts over Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo heading into the fixture.
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