In a wave of relief for Manchester United fans, Matheus Cunha was seen leaving Old Trafford with a smile, dispelling fears of a serious injury after his early exit during the match against Burnley. This performance marked United's first Premier League victory of the season, clinching a thrilling 3-2 win thanks to a dramatic 97th-minute penalty by Bruno Fernandes.

Head coach Ruben Amorim is breathing a sigh of relief as his team managed to secure all three points amidst mounting pressure following a rocky start to the 2025-26 season. However, the excitement was somewhat dampened by the injury concerns surrounding Cunha, who had to leave the pitch in the 31st minute due to a potential hamstring issue.

Fortunately, reports indicate that Cunha appeared unfazed as he greeted fans on his way out, raising hopes that his injury may not be as severe as initially feared.

Injury Dilemmas and Next Steps for United

Cunha wasn’t alone in facing injury woes; teammate Mason Mount was also substituted due to a similar issue. However, Amorim later revealed that Mount had valiantly played for another 30 minutes despite his discomfort.

With United’s next match not scheduled until September 14 against Manchester City—thanks to the upcoming international break—there’s optimism that both players could make a swift recovery in time for this crucial clash.

In the meantime, the team should be able to adapt to these challenges, potentially shifting Fernandes into a more advanced role while still finding ways to utilize their latest signings.

Striking Problems and Expectations

Benjamin Sesko, yet to make his Premier League start for United, will be eager to secure a position in the starting XI once he returns to full fitness following the international period.

As the season unfolds, Amorim’s tactical choices will be under intense scrutiny. Utilizing Cunha and Mount in a dual false-nine formation has garnered mixed results—they’ve scored four goals this season, but only one was from open play, with the remainder being own goals or penalties.

With nearly £200 million invested in new attacking players, there’s growing concern that Amorim may not be maximizing the potential of his star-studded frontline. If he continues to struggle with the talents of Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko, he may soon find himself facing the unsettling prospect of losing his managerial position.