Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is grappling with uncertainty regarding the fitness of forward Matheus Cunha ahead of their Premier League match against Everton on March 11, 2024. Cunha’s availability is in doubt following a training incident that has not been fully disclosed. His absence would compound the loss of Benjamin Sesko, who is sidelined for several weeks due to a knee injury sustained during a match against Tottenham.
The situation took a turn over the weekend when Cunha was scheduled to participate in the Christmas Lights Switch-On event in Altrincham, only to pull out at the last minute. The event organizers, VisitAltrincham, announced that Cunha had “had an accident in training today and will not be able to attend tonight’s Christmas Lights Switch on due to medical reasons.” As of now, Manchester United has not provided further details regarding the severity of his condition.
With both Cunha and Sesko potentially unavailable, Amorim faces a challenging task in crafting his starting lineup. Historically, the coach has favored a false nine formation, with Cunha typically positioned at the forefront of the attack. If he is unable to play, Amorim may turn to Bryan Mbeumo, who has experience as a centre-forward from his time at Brentford. Mbeumo led the attack for the Bees in his last four Premier League appearances, scoring four goals.
Should Mbeumo assume the advanced role, his supporting cast could include Mason Mount and Amad. Mount demonstrated his capability in a substitute role against Spurs, while Amad has shown versatility, effectively impacting games from various positions.
The future of Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United appears increasingly uncertain. Having accumulated only 90 minutes across five substitute appearances, Zirkzee may seek to depart in January to boost his chances of making the World Cup squad. With the absence of Sesko, it was anticipated that Zirkzee might be given an opportunity. However, if Cunha joins the list of absentees, it may solidify Zirkzee’s diminishing prospects under Amorim.
In the event Zirkzee is overlooked, Amorim could opt for a different strategy. Kobbie Mainoo, who missed a recent training session, is expected to return and could play a pivotal role. If Mainoo slots in alongside Casemiro, it would allow Bruno Fernandes to move into a more advanced position. Fernandes’s preference for a forward role could enhance United’s attacking dynamics, especially when paired with Amad and Mbeumo in a restructured forward line.
The upcoming match against Everton is crucial for Manchester United, and how Amorim navigates these personnel challenges will be key to their performance. The possible absence of Cunha not only alters the tactical landscape but also raises questions about the depth and resilience of the squad as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
