Players’ injuries are usually announced through official club channels or a manager’s news conference.

But a planned appearance by Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha to turn on the Christmas lights in Altrincham sparked injury concerns among fans.

The Brazil attacker was due to attend the event alongside Sam Aston, who plays Chesney on Coronation Street, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, evening, just two days before United host Everton in the Premier League on Monday, November 24, 2025.

However, just hours before the festive extravaganza, organisers Visit Altrincham said in a Facebook post that Cunha would not be attending “due to medical reasons” as the player “had an accident in training”.

United have not yet publicly confirmed any further details or whether this will affect Cunha’s availability for the Everton match.

But club sources later privately played down fears Cunha could be absent for an extended period.

They said the Brazilian had suffered a knock in training, but the issue was regarded as minor.

It is understood that the appearance was not arranged through the club.

Cunha, who signed for Ksh10.6 billion from Wolves in the summer, has played a key role in United’s resurgence this season – with Ruben Amorim’s side unbeaten in their past five games.

He scored his first goal for the club in a 4-2 win over Brighton in October and played in both of Brazil’s friendlies in the recent international window.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, the head coach, Amorim, confirmed striker Benjamin Sesko would be out until the middle of next month with a knee injury.

If Cunha is not available for the Monday, November 24, 2025, game, it would force Amorim into a major reshuffle.

Mason Mount would come into contention, but Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could also be drafted into Amorim’s starting line-up for the first time this season in the Premier League.

It also raises the possibility of a call-up for England Under-20 international Shea Lacey, who has impressed in United’s Premier League 2 squad this season.

One factor behind that is having key players available and not losing stars to frequent injuries. This was a huge issue under Erik ten Hag, but it seems like the current coaching staff is dealing better with the challenges facing player welfare.

It also helps that United are playing one game most weeks, as opposed to having midweek fixtures in Europe.