Rúben Amorim has not named Matheus Cunha in his squad as Manchester United face Bournemouth in their third pre-season fixture.
Manchester United kicked off their U.S. tour with a 2-1 win over West Ham and now set their sights on Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
Bruno Fernandes was the standout performer in the opener, scoring twice to deliver the victory for Rúben Amorim’s men — a welcome boost after their goalless draw with Leeds in Sweden.
With confidence growing and fitness improving, United will look to keep building momentum in this next test.
Bournemouth, heading into their fourth pre-season outing, are likely to pose a tough challenge as both sides sharpen up ahead of the new campaign.
Why Cunha is not in the squad
With the starting teams having been released, United confirmed that Matheus Cunha was not part of the squad to face Bournemouth.
However, the player did travel with the team as they arrived at the Soldier Field Stadium. Amorim has explained that Cunha is not in the matchday squad as he wants to manage the Brazilian’s minutes.
“We need to assess all the players and have to be careful with everyone,” the head coach explained.
“He’s available for the next one. Matheus felt a little bit fatigued. He was ready to play, he wants to give everything but we need to be careful.”
Amorim being cautious vs Bournemouth
In Cunha’s place on the left flank, Mason Mount will be getting his first significant run-out of pre-season as he starts for the club for the first time this summer.
Amorim is clearly taking a cautious approach to the game, with many of his starting XI players either rested or omitted entirely.
Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte have also all been rested despite playing well against West Ham, while Bruno Fernandes remains in the side.
Those such as Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, and Tom Heaton all now have a chance to impress the head coach ahead of the club’s last two fixtures of the pre-season tour.
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