Manchester United head into Thursday’s Premier League clash against West Ham United with a timely lift and a lingering worry. The club confirmed that Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has been passed fit to feature at Old Trafford, offering manager Ruben Amorim a much-needed attacking spark as United push to stay within touching distance of the top four.
Cunha, who had missed the last two matches with a head injury, declared his return with an emphatic message on social media: “Back back back.” For a team sitting seventh — just three points off the Champions League berths — the timing could hardly be better. United have lacked fluidity in the final third in recent weeks, and the 26-year-old’s pressing, link-up play and vertical runs have been central to Amorim’s evolving system.
But the manager’s excitement is tempered by concerns elsewhere. Amorim acknowledged that two unnamed players are injury doubts for the West Ham fixture, hinting at tactical adjustments that may be forced upon him. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko remain sidelined, stretching a squad already balancing form, fitness and fixture congestion.
Matheus Cunha’s Return Comes With a Challenge and an Opportunity
Amorim has been firm in his belief that United fans are yet to witness the full version of Cunha. The Brazilian has endured an uneven start since arriving in the summer, battling scoring droughts, adjusting to the weight of expectations at Old Trafford, and dealing with social-media blame culture.
“He has more levels to go,” Amorim said. “Different club, different pressure. He was struggling because he was not scoring and because of social media abuse… but the influence he has in the team is important to us.”
United’s pressing intensity and transitional sharpness dip noticeably without Cunha. His return could restore balance to a front line that has relied heavily on moments rather than sustained rhythm. For Amorim, a manager who demands constant movement and defensive contribution from his attackers, Cunha is the system’s ignition point.
Also Read: Dani Olmo Running Out of Time at Barcelona? Fresh Injury Raises Major Questions
Leny Yoro’s Growing Pain and Defensive Frailty
The spotlight also falls on Leny Yoro, the 20-year-old French defender who conceded a penalty against Crystal Palace and was substituted early, visibly shaken on the bench. Amorim admitted he sat the youngster down for a one-on-one conversation.
“He thinks too much… he makes a mistake and then he struggles,” the manager said. “He wants to do everything so well… he is growing, with games and with setbacks.”
For United, this is a double-edged development. Yoro’s talent is unquestioned, but inconsistency comes with the territory of youthful defenders asked to anchor high-risk systems. His progression remains a long-term investment, yet the short-term cost is uncertainty in the back line.
AFCON Boost Could Define Manchester United’s December
In a rare break of good fortune, FIFA’s decision to reduce the Africa Cup of Nations release period to seven days means Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo should remain available for the Bournemouth fixture on December 15. Both nations, Ivory Coast and Cameroon, begin their tournament campaigns on December 24.
Given United’s attacking depth issues, this is a small but significant reprieve.
What this Means For Manchester United
Cunha’s return strengthens Amorim’s forward options at a moment when the club cannot afford dropped points. But the uncertainty around unnamed injury doubts, ongoing defensive fragility, and the reliance on emerging players like Yoro underline the fragility of United’s momentum.
This week could become a turning point: either Cunha’s comeback energizes a December surge or United’s hidden injury worries catch up with them.
Either way, Thursday night at Old Trafford suddenly feels bigger than it looked a week ago.
