Matheus Cunha is poised to make a comeback for Manchester United in their upcoming match against West Ham on Thursday, but manager Ruben Amorim has two fresh doubts that could force a tactical rethink. Cunha is back in the mix after sitting out the last two matches due to an incident in training ahead of the defeat to Everton. However, Amorim remained tight-lipped about the identities of the players who might be sidelined for the game against the Hammers.
"We have two doubts for the game, it will change the way we're going to approach it, let's see if they can play," said the United boss. "The rest of the squad is good. Matheus is back. Harry [Maguire] and [Benjamin] Sesko are still out."
Maguire has been absent for three weeks with a thigh injury, while Sesko hasn't featured since the draw at Tottenham, having sustained a knee injury shortly after being subbed on in north London.
Since his summer transfer from Wolves, Cunha has scored just once in 11 appearances for United and Amorim feels there is scope for further development as he gears up for his return.
"He has more levels to go," said Amorim. "He's at a different club, 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."
West Ham will be without Lucas Paqueta following his dismissal against Liverpool, but Amorim is optimistic about the prospects of his compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo, who took the reins at the London Stadium earlier this season.
"I had no doubts he will have success," he said. "He's really experienced, he knows how to work with different squads, understands really well the league.
"We know it's going to be tough, he's really smart preparing the games. The preparation is about the opponent but I'm focused on what we need to do and what we need to improve."
It remains to be seen if Leny Yoro will play against West Ham after his glaring mistake in the victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.
Quizzed on the defender, Amorim said: "It’s really important. I also spoke with him because he thinks too much, he makes a mistake and then he struggles.
"He wants to do everything so well. He’s growing, with games and with setbacks, it’s not easy for him as a young guy.
"He cannot show that to the people the way he came to the bench, he knows that. It shows he cares, he knows it wasn’t his best game."