- Manchester United face Liverpool
- Matheus Cunha returns to starting XI
- Michael Carrick explains decision
Michael Carrick has explained the decision to start Matheus Cunha in Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool today. The Brazilian attacker sat out a 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday.
Cunha missed the game due to a hip flexor issue, which prevented him from continuing his fine recent form. He scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Chelsea before that game.
The 26-year-old has appeared 32 times across competitions this season, posting eight goals and four assists. He’s been a key man for Carrick and he’s been immediately recalled to his starting lineup.
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Carrick on Recalling Cunha
United know that a draw or a win confirms a return to UEFA Champions League football. They can achieve this at the expense of their rivals who are breathing down their necks in fourth.
Cunha’s return has come just in time and Carrick delved into the decision to start him. He told Gary Neville on Sky Sports:
“Yeah it’s good, he’s done a bit of work this week, we knew it wasn’t a serious one, as a squad we look strong, we have got good options to start and had to pick a team. Equally we have options to finish strong.
Cunha replaces Amad on the left wing and the Ivorian drops to the bench after an underwhelming display in the win over Brentford. Carrick’s men come up against a Liverpool side enduring an injury crisis.
Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak both miss out due to injury. Freddie Woodman continues to deputise for Alisson Becker between the sticks.
Cunha is Proving his Worth
United moved quickly to bring Cunha to Old Trafford last summer, triggering a £62.5m release clause in his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was the first of three big-name attacking arrivals, with Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko following him to the Theatre of Dreams.
Cunha didn’t make the best of starts under Carrick’s predecessor Ruben Amorim. Many felt he wasn’t living up to expectations.
But the Brazilian has silenced those doubters and become one of the most important players in Carrick’s team. He has been a standout performer since the turn of the year and Patrick Dorgu has a massive fight on his hands to try and reclaim the left-wing starting berth.
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