Manchester United injury latest: Matheus Cunha, Harry Maguire and more | OneFootball

Manchester United Fitness Picture Improves As Key Players Near Return

Manchester United have taken another small but meaningful step forward in Ruben Amorim’s second campaign, following up a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Everton with a resilient 2-1 comeback at Crystal Palace. The win, shaped by sharp finishes from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, not only delivered a rare away triumph but also marked the long-awaited return of Lisandro Martinez. For a squad stretched by repeated fitness setbacks, that alone felt significant. Yet the updates around Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire offer even more encouragement for a group targeting greater consistency.

Matheus Cunha Close To Rejoining The Attack

Summer recruit Matheus Cunha has been one of the more intriguing additions under Amorim, offering movement, work rate and the ability to knit together United’s many attacking profiles. His recent absence, caused by a training ground knock, came to light in unusual fashion. As relayed by Visit Altrincham, “Cunha has had an accident in training today and will not be able to attend tonight’s Christmas Lights Switch on in Altrincham due to medical reasons.”

Amorim later confirmed that minor issue and stressed last week that the forward was on track to return quickly. Speaking ahead of the Palace trip, he said: “I expect to have Matheus in the next one [West Ham on Thursday], not this one.”

United have lacked some unpredictability across the front line and Cunha’s reintroduction against West Ham on December 4 at Old Trafford would come at an ideal moment, especially with fixture congestion looming.

Potential return date: December 4, 2025 vs West Ham (H)

Benjamin Sesko Tracking A Mid December Recovery

Benjamin Sesko’s first season in England has already featured flashes of what he could become, from his aerial presence to his ability to stretch defences. His setback, a knee problem sustained during the 2-2 draw at Tottenham in early November, arrived at a time when United were beginning to coax more output from their attacking options.

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Although Sesko is still a couple of weeks away, the internal mood remains calm. Amorim noted that his recovery is progressing predictably, saying: “Sesko is going to take a little bit more time [than Cunha]. It will take a little bit longer and we are taking care of him.”

With Bryan Mbeumo set for Africa Cup of Nations duty, Sesko’s return could prove timely as United attempt to balance the squad during a demanding winter stretch.

Potential return date: Mid December

Harry Maguire Nears A Much Needed Comeback

Harry Maguire’s absence has been one of the more frustrating threads of United’s campaign. His performances earlier in the season had restored a measure of authority to United’s back line, yet a hamstring injury picked up against Tottenham before the November international break halted that momentum.

Amorim confirmed that Maguire is on a similar recovery timeline to Sesko, placing his return around mid December. For a defence that has often lacked continuity, his availability could help stabilise a unit still adapting to Amorim’s positional demands and high pressing patterns.

Potential return date: Mid December

Outlook For Manchester United

Manchester United’s season has been punctuated by injuries, but with Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire all moving closer to fitness, Amorim finally appears set to regain important depth. The win at Selhurst Park hinted at growing resilience. The next step is turning sporadic progress into weekly reliability, and the return of these key figures could be the catalyst United have been waiting for.