Opportunity knocks for Matheus Cunha as Manchester United host Fulham in the Premier League
Matheus Cunha is poised to start for the first time under Michael Carrick as Manchester United face Fulham this weekend.
The Brazilian has been named on the bench for wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, though has made an impact in both games when introduced by Carrick.
In the derby, Cunha registered an assist for Patrick Dorgu to double Man United’s lead and then scored a stunning goal to seal all three points in a five-goal thriller at the Emirates Stadium.
Cunha’s case for a start is strengthened by those goal contributions, though the door has been opened due to Dorgu sustaining a hamstring injury against the Gunners.
Carrick initially hoped the in-form Denmark international - a scorer in his last two appearances - was suffering from cramp, but it has since been reported that Dorgu faces up to ten weeks on the sidelines.
An official update on the 21-year-old will be provided when Carrick faces the media in the pre-Fulham press conference on Friday.
Patrick Dorgu has been in fine form for Manchester United
The Man Utd head coach, otherwise, can name an unchanged team from the wins against Man City and Arsenal, meaning Bryan Mbeumo continues up front after scoring in both appearances since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Noussair Mazraoui is available again after his AFCON exploits, though is unlikely to shift Diogo Dalot for the right-back spot.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are likely to continue their central defensive partnership as Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined, while Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start a third successive Premier League match.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Injured: Dorgu, De Ligt, Zirkzee
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday, February 1, 2026
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Old Trafford