Eight players could miss Man Utd vs Everton as Matheus Cunha 'revelation' drops

View 3 Images

Manchester United could be missing five key players for their clash with Everton . David Moyes is set to return to his old stomping ground as the aim to put a dent in United's recent resurgence on Monday evening.

However, Ruben Amorim's side will have to face the challenge without some crucial squad members as injury woes start to plague the Theatre of Dreams. The Red Devils are currently on a five-match unbeaten run, with three victories and two consecutive draws, the latter two games showcasing dramatic performances that secured them a point each.

A victory at Old Trafford by three or more goals could catapult United into the top four, but even a simple win would suffice to keep the heat on those occupying the Champions League spots. Summer recruit Matheus Cunha has become an injury concern for United after he was absent from a Christmas lights switch-on event at the weekend.

The ex- Wolves forward was scheduled to turn on the Christmas lights in Altrincham on Saturday night, but the group organising the event reported that the Brazilian couldn't make it, attributing "medical reasons" for his absence, reports the Manchester Evening News .

"Unfortunately, Matheus Cunha has had an accident in training today and will not be able to attend tonight's Christmas Lights Switch on in Altrincham due to medical reasons," VisitAltrincham announced in a statement.

Whether he'll make an appearance against Everton is still up in the air, though ESPN has reported that Cunha's 'minor knock' could still see him fit enough to play.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko is set to continue his spell on the side-lines due to injury. The Slovenian was forced off during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur due to a knee injury .

Rumours have surfaced suggesting that Sesko could be out of action for up to a month due to the injury.

View 3 Images

Speaking about Sesko's situation, Amorim said: "He is going to stay a few weeks out. I don't know how long but it is not that serious. We have to be careful with him. He is going to recover.

"He is doing the recovery and he is feeling better so we expect in a few weeks to have him back. I think it is going to be more or less he will be back at the same time as Amad and Mbeumo leave for AFCON. I don't want to say for sure but when they are going to the camp I expect to have Ben back."

Defender Harry Maguire will also be absent for the Toffees' trip to Old Trafford. The England defender sustained a muscle injury during United's draw with Tottenham before the international break.

Amorim confirmed that Maguire is "not ready" to feature against Everton on Monday night, and it remains to be seen when the England international will make his return to the squad. Kobbie Mainoo is in a race against the clock to be fit for the Everton clash.

The midfielder missed the draw with Tottenham before the international break after picking up a knock. The 20-year-old will need to demonstrate his fitness if he is to feature in the squad.

View 3 Images

Amorim also confirmed that Mainoo had not yet returned to training as of Friday, though he remained hopeful the midfielder would be back involved ahead of the Everton fixture. He said: "Kobbie didn't train today but I think tomorrow we could see Kobbie so we will see."

Lisandro Martinez remains on the road to recovery as he continues his rehabilitation from the knee injury he sustained in February . The problem was serious enough to require surgery for the Argentine, who has since been gradually building up his fitness levels ahead of his return to the starting XI.

Amorim indicated recently that he expects to have the Argentina international back in action in the coming weeks. He said: "He needs more time to work there, and he is not working there, but in an emergency, he can play, but I am not thinking about that.

"I feel Licha is becoming close to being able to play. We need to be careful, he is going to struggle in the first minutes but he is clearly in a better position than he was two weeks ago."

As for Everton, former United transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite is unavailable, as is fellow defender Nathan Patterson. Merlin Rohl is also expected to be absent after undergoing surgery during the international break.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.