Manchester United Receive a Huge Boost Ahead of the Derby: Matheus Cunha Could Be Fit to Face Manchester City
The Manchester Derby has always been one of the most iconic fixtures in world football. Whether played at Old Trafford or the Etihad, the clash between Manchester United and Manchester City carries an energy that few games can replicate. On September 14, the two giants of English football will meet again, and the stakes could hardly be higher.
For United, the build-up to this derby has been full of questions surrounding injuries, fitness concerns, and how Rúben Amorim will line up against Pep Guardiola’s dominant City side. But amid all the uncertainty, there is finally some positive news for the Red Devils. According to Sport Mole, United are hopeful that Matheus Cunha will be fit to feature in the derby—a development that could significantly change the complexion of the game.
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Why Cunha’s Return Matters
Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward who arrived with high expectations, has the qualities United have sorely lacked in certain big matches: dynamism, versatility, and the ability to disrupt defensive structures. He is not just a striker in the traditional sense—Cunha is a connector, a runner, and a creator, capable of playing across the front line.
1. Link-Up Play
Cunha thrives when dropping deep to combine with midfielders, creating overloads in central areas. This is particularly important against a City side that dominates possession. If United can break the press through Cunha’s clever positioning, they have a real weapon in transitions.
2. Pressing Energy
Few forwards work as tirelessly off the ball as Cunha. Amorim has been keen to instill a high-energy pressing system, and having a forward willing to harry defenders like Dias, Akanji, or Gvardiol is invaluable.
3. Unpredictability
Unlike traditional strikers, Cunha is comfortable drifting wide, carrying the ball into dangerous areas, and committing defenders. This forces City’s backline into uncomfortable decisions—step out and leave space behind, or sit deep and allow United to progress.
For a derby where moments of chaos often decide the outcome, Cunha’s skill set could prove decisive.
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The Timing of His Return
United have endured a mixed start to the 2025/26 season, with flashes of attacking brilliance but also concerns about consistency. Injuries to key players have disrupted rhythm, making Amorim’s early months in charge a challenging balancing act.
Cunha’s potential return just before the derby is symbolic: it comes at a moment when United desperately need depth and variety in attack. With Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund expected to start, Cunha offers another dimension—either as a starter to stretch City early or as a second-half substitute to exploit tired legs.
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How Cunha Could Fit Into Amorim’s Derby Plan
Amorim is tactically flexible, often shifting between a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3 depending on the opponent. Against City, who dominate midfield zones, he may lean towards an extra midfielder, but Cunha’s return opens up several intriguing possibilities.
Option 1: Front Three with Rashford and Højlund
LW: Rashford
ST: Højlund
RW: Cunha
In this system, Cunha would occupy City’s right side, testing Kyle Walker’s defensive positioning. His ability to cut inside could also create space for overlapping full-backs like Luke Shaw.
Option 2: False Nine Role
Amorim could surprise Guardiola by deploying Cunha centrally as a false nine. This would allow him to drag City’s centre-backs into midfield, opening gaps for Rashford’s runs in behind. Given City’s occasional vulnerability to direct pace, this could be a tactical gamble worth taking.
Option 3: Impact Substitution
Even if he isn’t fit enough to start, Cunha could be a devastating option off the bench. Bringing his energy and ball-carrying ability into the final 30 minutes could shift the momentum if United are chasing or trying to protect a lead.
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The Challenge of Facing City
While Cunha’s potential availability is a boost, it doesn’t change the fact that Manchester City are one of the most complete sides in football. They have started the season strongly, with Haaland continuing his prolific form and De Bruyne orchestrating attacks.
United’s defensive organisation will need to be near perfect. This means Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane must be switched on at all times, while Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes will be tasked with limiting City’s midfield dominance.
Yet games like the derby are rarely decided by possession statistics alone. United don’t need to out-pass City; they need to be more ruthless in transition. And this is precisely why Cunha’s return could matter so much. He is the type of player who thrives in open-field situations, where his speed and decision-making punish teams caught out of shape.
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What This Means for Amorim
For Rúben Amorim, still in the early stages of his reign, this derby is a chance to make a statement. Beating Pep Guardiola in his first Manchester Derby would send shockwaves across the Premier League, immediately silencing doubts about his appointment.
Having Cunha fit gives Amorim tactical flexibility:
If he wants to start cautiously, he can keep Cunha on the bench.
If he wants to press City high, Cunha can lead the line with his work rate.
If he wants to go for controlled chaos, he can pair him with Rashford and Højlund to create a front three capable of unsettling even the best defence.
This boost in squad depth could give Amorim the confidence to be braver with his game plan.
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The Psychological Edge
Derbies are as much about psychology as they are about tactics. The news that Cunha might be fit will lift the United dressing room. Players know that having another weapon in attack boosts their chances. At the same time, City will take note—Guardiola is a meticulous planner, and preparing for Rashford and Højlund is one thing, but adding Cunha into the equation complicates matters.
This uncertainty is to United’s advantage. City thrive on control, but Cunha represents unpredictability. His inclusion forces Guardiola to consider different defensive shapes, potentially pulling his team away from their natural rhythm.
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Conclusion: A Timely Boost for United
The Manchester Derby on September 14 will be another intense battle for supremacy in the city. Manchester City enter as favourites—they are the champions, the benchmark, and the better-drilled side. But derbies rarely follow the script.
With the news that Matheus Cunha could be fit to feature, United have received a much-needed boost. His return provides tactical options, energy, and an element of surprise—qualities that could make the difference in a match often decided by fine margins.
For United fans, this is more than just positive injury news. It is a sign that their squad is beginning to take shape, that Amorim will have more tools at his disposal, and that, perhaps, the balance of power in Manchester is not as fixed as many believe.
If Cunha plays even part of the game, he could well be the wild card that tilts the derby in United’s favour.
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