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Matheus Cunha has been one of the rare shining lights in Manchester United's season.
Despite the misery of Ruben Amorim's reign and subsequent transition with caretaker Michael Carrick, the Brazil international has thrived since moving to Old Trafford.
Manchester United issue Matheus Cunha return update
The 26-year-old had been an ever-present during Carrick's start in the Red Devils' hot seat, starting all opening 10 matches since the former midfielder succeeded Amorim.
But Cunha was withdrawn during the closing stages of United's victory at Chelsea, in which he had scored the decisive goal, and missed the subsequent win over Brentford.
Carrick explained shortly before the home encounter why one of his talismans was ruled out with a hip issue attributed to the attacker's matchday squad absence.
"He just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game the other day," the United caretaker told Sky Sports.
"He was looking promising during the week, so we thought he might have been OK, but he just didn’t quite recover quick enough. It is nothing too serious, but unfortunately he doesn’t make it tonight."
United remained optimistic that Cunha would be back in contention for their upcoming meeting with arch-rivals Liverpool in the battle for third place.
Ahead of that showdown with Arne Slot's side, the 20-time champions confirmed on social media that the former Wolves man had returned to training.
Cunha's potential return against United's North West could not be better timed given his influence since Carrick's ascension to the dugout for a second time in his career.
Prior to missing Brentford, he had four goal contributions in his last six league outings.
