Manchester United will again be without forward Matheus Cunha as they attempt to rebound from a difficult week when they face an in-form Crystal Palace on Sunday, manager Ruben Amorim confirmed on Friday.
United are coming off a demoralising 1-0 defeat at home to 10-man Everton on Monday, a result that halted a five-match unbeaten run and renewed scrutiny over the team’s form. Cunha missed that match after suffering a knock in training, while striker Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Amorim said neither Cunha nor Sesko will feature at Selhurst Park, with defender Harry Maguire also unavailable. “Sesko is going to take a little bit more time. Harry the same. I expect to have Matheus in the next one against West Ham on Thursday, not this one,” he said.
The absence of United’s two key attacking options is a significant setback for a side that has failed to score in its last four Premier League meetings with Palace. Adding to the challenge, the London side are unbeaten in their past 12 home league matches.
“It was really tough, the week, as it should be,” Amorim admitted. “It was hard, this defeat, but the process needs to continue. Everything can change really fast in this league, so we need to focus on the next one.”
United, currently 10th in the table, have been frustrated by their away form, recently squandering leads against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham before settling for 2-2 draws in both games.
Amorim said improving game management remains a priority. “There’s a lot of issues. We are improving… but we need to know how to finish the games in order to win.”
Sunday’s match offers United a chance to reset, though they will have to do so with a depleted frontline and against one of the league’s most consistent home performers.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
