Tony Mogan
Published November 30, 2025 6:00am
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Mbeumo is the only member of United’s new-look attack available (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United will be without Matheus Cunha when they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.
Cunha missed Monday’s dismal defeat to 10-man Everton following bizarre situation that unfolded last weekend.
The Brazil international was forced to miss an appearance switching on Christmas lights in Altrincham after a ‘training ground accident,’ later revealed to be a head injury.
The former Wolves star had been expected to lead United’s attack in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who is sidelined until mid-December with a knee injury.
He was left out of the squad that night and will not be involved at Selhurst Park this afternoon with Ruben Amorim hopeful he will be available on Thursday against West Ham United.
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Joshua Zirkzee started his first game of the season on Monday night with United’s attack looking disjoined and devoid of any real cutting edge. While Zirkzee did little to justify another starting role in the team, options elsewhere are limited.
Cunha was badly missed against Everton (Picture: Getty)
Amorim could continue with Zirkzee or may opt to move Mason Mount into a false nine role. Chido Obi, who mad eight senior appearances last season, is also an option.
Mount moving into an advanced position could potentially open up room in the team for Kobbie Mainoo, who is still waiting for his first league start this season. Amorim however has explained this season he views the England international as an alternative to Bruno Fernandes in a midfield two.
Harry Maguire was another to miss the game against Everton as a result of a hamstring injury he picked up against Tottenham before the international break.
The former captain has not trained since and is another who will be unavailable today. Amorim does have Lisandro Martinez available again however with the Argentina international back among the subs on Monday night after recovering from his ACL injury.
Martinez was back on the bench on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
United will lose Amad and top scorer Bryan Mbeumo to the Africa Cup of Nations next month with the home game against Bournemouth on 15 December likely to be their last games before leaving Manchester.
In an added headache, Amorim suggested on Friday that Sesko will be unavailable for longer than initially feared.
It means Amorim could now be without his first choice front three of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko until February.
Palace meanwhile had a tricky assignment on the road in the Europa Conference League, losing away to Strasbourg on Thursday night.
It is a quick turnaround but Oliver Glasner’s side will be confident of keeping United out – boasting the second best defensive record in the league this season behind Arsenal.
Man Utd XI vs Crystal Palace – Metro prediction
Cunha’s absence is a huge blow. Given how poorly his side played against Everton, Amorim can surely not afford to go with the same front three he selected against Everton.
Mount has been used in that false nine role by Amorim in the past and will surely be given the nod over 18-year-old Obi.
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Key battle: Adam Wharton vs Casemiro
Wharton is one of the most coveted midfielders in the Premier League with United among the clubs weighing up a summer move for the England international. His ability to set the tempo and pull the strings from deep is exactly what United’s midfield is missing.
Wharton is one of the midfielders United are eager to sign (Picture: Getty Images)
Casemiro has been one of United’s standout performers this season but will need help to stop Palace running through the middle of the park – and deny Wharton the space to operate.
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd kick-off time and live stream
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd takes place today (Sunday 30 November) with kick-off scheduled for 12pm.
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