Why Matheus Cunha misses Man Utd vs Brentford, reveals Michael Carrick | Football

Matheus Cunha is not in the Manchester United squad to face Brentford on Monday night, with Michael Carrick revealing he is suffering with a hip issue.

The Brazilian started and scored the only goal of the game as Manchester United beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in their last outing on April 18.

However, he was not only not in the starting XI as the Red Devils hosted the Bees on Monday, but he wasn’t even on the bench.

Manchester United’s interim manager, Michael Carrick, revealed that the Brazil international is struggling with a hip issue.

It is not anything that will keep him out for long, but was enough to see him miss Monday night’s action.

‘He had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the game against Chelsea,’ Carrick told Sky Sports.

‘He was looking quite promising during the week. We thought he’d be okay but he didn’t quite progress quick enough. It’s nothing too serious but unfortunately he misses out tonight.’

In Cunha’s absence, Carrick went for a front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Amad Diallo, with Bruno Fernandes behind.

Patrick Dorgu also returned to the squad, on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Ahead of the match, Carrick told MUTV: ‘Patrick’s looking to get back closer to the group in a very small part, which is fantastic, because he’s worked so hard over a period of time now.

‘So it’ll be good to have him back in and around the group within the next week or so.’

Carrick was also full of praise for Kobbie Mainoo, who is in the starting XI again on Monday, saying: ‘He’s got an awful lot of experience in big occasions and big games at such a young age.

‘We just want to get him on the pitch and feeling that rhythm again. He’s done terrific.

‘Against Chelsea he was as good as he’s been. I’m conscious not to overload him and overhelp him. If anything he’s done a lot of it himself.’

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