- Manchester United without Matheus Cunha tonight
- Michael Carrick confirms Brazilian injured
- Groin issue isn’t too serious
Michael Carrick has explained why Matheus Cunha was unavailable for Manchester United’s encounter with Brentford tonight. The Brazilian attacker was left out of the Reds’ squad for the game at Old Trafford.
Cunha has been a mainstay in Carrick’s team since the English coach replaced Ruben Amorim in January. He’s been in fine form and was on target with the winner in a 1-0 win over Chelsea last time out.
United host Brentford with Champions League qualification within touching distance. A victory tonight puts them one win away from returning to Europe’s elite club competition.
Carrick on Cunha
Cunha has a groin problem, which has prevented him from making the squad for tonight’s game. Carrick confirmed this while speaking to Sky Sports:
“He just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game. We thought he might be okay but he didn’t recover quick enough. It’s nothing too serious but he wasn’t ready for tonight.”
Cunha’s absence means Amad starts on the left of a front three alongside Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo. The Ivorian hasn’t always been a starter in recent weeks but gets the nod due to his teammate’s injury.
Carrick Hails Ayden Heaven
Ayden Heaven continues in central defence alongside the returning Harry Maguire. The English youngster was handed an opportunity in the Chelsea win and took it with aplomb.
Carrick was delighted with Heaven’s performance and spoke highly of the former Arsenal academy product:
“I thought he stepped in and did fantastic. Talent’s one thing, ability is another. Thought he was fantastic the other day and deserved to stay in the team.”
Heaven’s stock is continuing to grow and if he continues to play as he is there’s no certainty he’ll lose his place in the team. Tonight, he is joined in defence by Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, with Senne Lammens continuing between the sticks.
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo continue in midfield with Bruno Fernandes just ahead of them. Amad, Sesko and Mbeumo are in attack against a Bees side that beat the Red Devils 3-1 in the reverse fixture.
