Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick confirmed a key absence before the team’s 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford on April 27, 2026. Matheus Cunha, United’s impactful forward, missed the match due to a sore hip flexor. It was a worrying blow, especially with the crucial Liverpool clash looming at Old Trafford this Sunday.
Carrick told Sky Sports pre-kickoff that Cunha “just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game.” He added, “It looked promising in the week but he didn’t recover in time, as hoped.” Cunha had failed a late fitness test. The manager described the injury as “nothing too serious,” but it was enough to rule him out, according to manutd.com.
Cunha’s Impact and United’s Resilience
Cunha’s absence was a big deal. He’s had a strong debut season since joining from Wolves, scoring 8 Premier League goals. That includes the winner against Chelsea in the previous game and four goal contributions in his last six league games. Losing that kind of form hurts.
But United showed grit. They beat Brentford thanks to goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Šeško. Amad Diallo stepped in for Cunha, filling an attacking midfield role. The win puts United needing just two points from their final four games to secure Champions League qualification. It was a good response to adversity.
The team’s recent form has been solid. Before Brentford, they beat Chelsea 1-0. United’s home form at Old Trafford is strong, too. This win continued a positive streak there. It proves the squad has depth, which is important for any top team.
Squad Returns and Tactical Continuity
Good news arrived with some players returning to the fold. Harry Maguire was back from a two-match suspension, making his 600th career appearance. Lenny Yoro also returned after recovering from a knock. Carrick made straightforward changes, with Amad replacing Cunha and Maguire slotting back into defense, reported by SI.com.
Carrick didn’t change the formation, keeping things consistent. The goals came from midfield, which showed the team could adapt without Cunha’s flair. This adaptability will be key. Especially against a team like Liverpool.
Cunha’s early season integration under Michael Carrick was strong. He’d started 26 of 33 league games. Even if he briefly struggled for starts earlier in Carrick’s tenure, his impact has been clear this season. His injury is the only notable one right now; no suspensions were reported after the Brentford match.
The Old Trafford Showdown Against Liverpool
Now, attention turns to Sunday, May 3. The rivalry with Liverpool at Old Trafford is massive. It’s a historic ground for these clashes, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans expect a full house, creating an intense atmosphere as United push for Champions League football.
United needs two points for CL security. A win against their biggest rivals would be a huge step. Carrick’s comments suggest he’s optimistic about Cunha’s return soon, perhaps for Liverpool. That would be a boost. But even if he misses out, the team proved they can win without him.
The manager often stresses recovery for his creative players. His tactical flexibility means the team can cope. Key matchups will likely involve United’s midfield battling Liverpool’s press. Amad or Šeško will need to step up if Cunha isn’t ready. Old Trafford’s home resilience could be a big factor in this one, as noted by Goal.com.
