By CHRIS WHEELER, NORTHERN SPORTS WRITER
Published: 09:26 EST, 3 December 2025 | Updated: 09:26 EST, 3 December 2025
Matheus Cunha's poor goal scoring record since joining Manchester United from Wolves £62.5million in the summer is playing on the Brazil star’s mind, head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted.
Cunha returns to the United squad against West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday night after a two-match absence in which Joshua Zirkzee has led the attack.
The 26-year-old has become a fan favourite due to a style and swagger that has been likened to Eric Cantona, but his only goal came against Brighton in October.
Amorim admitted it has become a distraction for Cunha, saying: ‘He has more levels to go. He’s at a different club, with different pressure. He was struggling because he was not scoring. He was thinking too much about the numbers, but the influence he has in the team is important to us.’
The United boss made reference to ‘social media abuse’ but sources insist it was a flippant remark based on a previous question about the dangers of football managers and players being targeted online.
Amorim said: ‘It’s normal in any profession when you are exposed to it. I don’t read it, I protect myself. I don’t watch TV when they are talking about Manchester United. Not because I don’t agree, a lot of time I do, but it’s a way of me being healthy.
Matheus Cunha is set to return to the Man United squad to face West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday
But the Brazilian has been affected by his lack of goals so far for the Red Devils, Ruben Amorim has admitted
‘My feeling as a coach is enough, I don’t need other feelings. The only way is protect myself. Of course I lose money from sponsors on Instagram, for my protection of my family and living a normal life is not worth some pounds.
‘I protect myself and nobody is more tough than me when we lose and when we don’t play well. Nowadays it’s really normal to have that abuse so it’s the only way to survive.’
As well as confirming that Cunha will return to the squad, Amorim said that Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire are still out and two other players are doubts.
‘I will not tell you (who) today because it will tell you the way we are going to approach the game, but the rest of the squad is good,’ he said. ‘Matheus is back, Harry Maguire is still out and Sesko.’