Matheus Cunha was forced off the pitch after just 31 minutes in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Initially, there were fears the 26-year-old forward could be set for an extended period on the side lines with reports suggesting he had suffered a hamstring injury.
But a source with excellent ties to Carrington – United’s training ground – has now offered a major update on Cunha’s condition “after initial scans” took place this week.
A positive update
Centre Devils reveals Cunha’s injury “isn’t as serious as first feared”.
A hamstring injury is typically separated into three categories – grade one, grade two or grade three – depending on the severity of the problem.
A grade one injury can typically take between two to four weeks to recover from, suggesting this may be what Cunha experienced as he ran towards Burnley’s goal on the weekend.
Centre Devils state the Brazilian took part in “light upper body gym work today” with the plan for him to remain at Carrington for the international break to focus on recovery.
However, the report contends the “extent and type of injury are not yet known,” suggesting it may not even be confirmed to be a hamstring problem at all.
Interestingly, Cunha took to social media this evening to thank fans for their kind messages, promising he would “be back soon.” This further supports the update that the injury is less serious than first expected.
📲 Matheus Cunha on IG: “What an incredible environment, it’s great to be here. ❤️🔥
I’ll be back soon, always with joy and gratitude. Thanks for all the messages” pic.twitter.com/XgvP8yBE9i
— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 2, 2025
A race against the clock
Ruben Amorim will certainly be hoping the timeline for Cunha’s recovery is a quick one with important matches on the immediate horizon for the Red Devils.
After the international break, United travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City. A week later, they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford.
Even at this early stage of the season, these back-to-back clashes with the club’s bitter rivals feel important for Amorim’s position with pressure already building on the Portuguese coach.
Being able to call upon a player with the personality and quality of Cunha – the first signing of the summer window – will be a huge boost for United’s chances in getting much-needed results in either game.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
