Man Utd forward Matheus Cunha picked up an injury in the 3-2 win against Burnley before the international break.
Steven is a senior writer and covers Manchester United for the Manchester Evening News. You can follow Steven on Twitter at @StevenRailston.
Cunha could return for the derby this weekend.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Matheus Cunha’s reaction when he picked up an injury against Burnley suggested fans should be braced for bad news.
Shortly after United opened the scoring against the Clarets, Cunha went down with what seemed to be a hamstring injury and he shook his head as he received treatment from medical staff.
The Brazilian returned to the dressing room and was consoled by the substitutes at the tunnel entrance. Cunha was applauded by the Stretford End as he left the pitch and his body language hinted he might be out for several weeks, which would be a huge blow, especially ahead of the Manchester derby.
Speaking post-Burnley, Ruben Amorim provided an update on Cunha and Mason Mount, saying: “I don’t know [how they are]. We’ll check them. We need those guys really bad to be competitive.”
Cunha was seen walking freely as he left Old Trafford and fans excitedly pointed out he wasn’t wearing a protective boot or using crutches, but they wouldn’t be required for a muscle injury.
The forward later withdrew from international duty with Brazil. In a post on X, Brazil’s national team wrote: “After a conversation between the medical departments of Manchester United and the National Team, attacker Matheus Cunha was released from the call-up due to the muscle injury.”
It seemed like United would be without Cunha against Manchester City this weekend, but the player teased a hint of a potential return to action on social media last weekend.
Cunha is an injury doubt for this weekend.(Image: Getty Images)
Cunha shared a photo of himself during a gym session, seemingly at home, with the caption: “Sundays.”
A smirking smile emoji was included in the message and many interpreted the post as Cunha hinting he would be available for the derby, which will, of course, be played on Sunday.
Amorim will speak to the media at Carrington on Friday afternoon and will provide an update on the team news, so the fitness of Cunha, Mount and Diogo Dalot should be clarified.
It wouldn’t be a complete surprise if Amorim produced a “let’s wait and see” answer about the fitness of Cunha. Amorim can sometimes be coy with his answers and he might try to bluff Pep Guardiola.
It would be a huge boost if Cunha is available for the derby at the Etihad. It feels like only a matter of time before he scores his first goal for the club and it was a shame to see him forced off against Burnley.
Cunha has hit the ground running after signing from Wolves this summer, which shows the benefit of signing Premier League-proven players, as they do not need time to adjust to the league.
There was excitement in the stands every time Cunha touched the ball against Arsenal, he hit the post and was denied by Bernd Leno against Fulham and looked just as sharp before picking up an injury against Burnley.
And aside from Cunha’s obvious attacking qualities, he is exactly the player you want to start in a derby because he fights for every ball, runs himself into the ground and battles for duels.
Every United fan will be hoping for a positive update when Amorim speaks at his press conference.