Matheus Cunha injury update as Man United star pushes for return | OneFootball

An inside source at Manchester United’s training ground has given an update on Matheus Cunha’s recovery from injury with the forward “pushing to return to action soon.”

A hamstring halts a fast start

The Red Devils prioritised a move for Cunha, 26, this summer, triggering the Brazilian’s £62.5 million release clause with Wolves on the opening day of the transfer window.

Ruben Amorim actively pushed for Cunha as he thrived at Molineux as a left-sided number ten in the exact system – a 3-4-2-1 formation – the Portuguese coach has sought to install at Old Trafford.

Despite playing for one of the worst sides in the Premier League last season, Cunha returned 15 goals and six assists in just 33 appearances.

He combines this nose for goal with superb ball-carrying skills and a relentless work rate off out of possession, making him an ideal attacker for Amorim’s philosophy.

And Cunha enjoyed a fast start for his new club, playing well in his debut at Old Trafford against Arsenal, despite United falling to an undeserved 1-0 defeat.

But a suspected hamstring injury, sustained in the first half against Burnley, has halted the Brazil international’s progress, causing him to miss key matches for his country during the international break as well as the Manchester Derby on the weekend.

United had lots of possession but lacked the attacking thrust a direct forward like Cunha provides as City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

With pressure already ramping up on Amorim, this weekend’s fixture against Chelsea already feels pivot for United’s season – and his future – just one month into the new campaign.

Cunha will be held back

Unfortunately, the source reveals for Centre Devils, the “current expectation” is Cunha will “not be used against Chelsea, as [the club] do not want to risk anything.”

Hamstring injuries can be tricky to recover from with serious tears sometimes taking months to heal.

However, the report states Cunha’s issue is “not seen as bad as first feared” and 26-year-old forward has “begun doing indoor individual grass work as he steps up his recovery.”

The source – with an excellent reputation for training ground updates – concludes, “Cunha is working super hard and pushing to return to action soon” but the Red Devils “will for sure miss [his] qualities against Chelsea.”

As such, Amorim appears set to be unable to call upon his new attacking superstar at a time when the Portuguese coach will be desperate to have him in his starting eleven.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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