- Matheus Cunha back in Manchester United training
- Brazilian missed game against Brentford
- Return gives Carrick a good headache ahead of Liverpool clash
Manchester United are training ahead of a massive showdown on Sunday (3 May) against rivals Liverpool. The stakes are high, with United knowing that a win will secure Champions League football for next season.
Anything less piles the pressure on, especially knowing that Liverpool can overtake Michael Carrick‘s side in the league table with a win themselves.
A familiar face has returned to the grass at Carrington to give Carrick a boost ahead of team news in the coming days.
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Cunha Trains Ahead of Sunday
Manchester United have been handed a significant boost as Matheus Cunha was spotted in first-team training on Thursday (30 April). The Brazilian was a notable absentee from the matchday squad during Monday’s 2-1 victory over Brentford. A minor groin injury kept him out of the game, meaning he could not build on his winning goal against Chelsea on 18 May.
In his absence, Bryan Mbeumo was drafted into the starting lineup on the left flank. However, the Cameroonian has struggled for consistent form since returning from AFCON duties.
Cunha, however, has been a standout performer for the Red Devils this term and is expected to be straight back into the starting eleven for the Liverpool clash. His impact in his debut season has been impressive, racking up 8 goals and 4 assists across 30 appearances for the Reds.
The Good Headache for Carrick
The timing of Cunha’s return gives Carrick a good headache. The return of Patrick Dorgu was welcomed last week, as he made the bench against Brentford. However, the Dane did not see any minutes as he works his way back from a three-month hamstring layoff. An on-pitch return against the Kop would be a fantastic way to pick up where he left last, which was a win against Arsenal in January.
Having both Cunha and a fit-again Dorgu available gives United a different level of athleticism on the left flank. For the first time in months, Carrick has the tactical flexibility to use his substitute bench effectively.
READ MORE: Manchester United vs Brentford: Carrick Explains Cunha Absence
