'But unfortunately' - Man United sweating on key star ahead of Liverpool clash
Liverpool can go level on points with Manchester United if they deliver a victory at Old Trafford.
Manchester United could be sweating on one of their key attackers ahead of their clash against fierce foes Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side travel to Old Trafford on Sunday. Both outfits are on track to secure Champions League qualification, although a victory for Liverpool would see them move level on points with United in the Premier League table.
Michael Carrick’s side earned a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday night, with Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko on target. However, United were without Matheus Cunha, who has recorded eight goals and four assists since he joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.
Cunha was absent because of a hip flexor issue and United will be hoping that he can recover to face Liverpool. Speaking ahead of the Brentford game, Old Trafford boss Michael Carrick said: “(Cunha) just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game the other day. 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.”
Defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are currently on the treatment table for United.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will hope that Alisson Becker can return for the short trip across the East Lancs. The No.1 goalkeeper has missed the past seven games with a hamstring injury. With second-choice Giorgi Mamardashvili missing because a wound suffered in a 2-1 win over Everton, Freddie Woodman deputised in last weekend’s 3-1 triumph against Crystal Palace.
However, Mo Salah may be denied one last appearance against United before he leaves Anfield at the end of the season. Salah was forced off against Palace with a hamstring issue and there are some suggestions in Egypt that he could miss the Reds’ final four games. Salah has scored 16 goals against United - more than any other club during his career.
Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee), Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic (both hamstring) remain sidelined.