Why Matheus Cunha missed Man United vs Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim sets return date

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Matheus Cunha was left out of Manchester United’s matchday squad for the pre-season friendly against Bournemouth.

Manchester United’s 2025 pre-season tour of the United States started with an exciting 2-1 win over West Ham, and next up in the Premier League Summer Series is a friendly against Bournemouth.

Last time out, Ruben Amorim confirmed Bryan Mbeumo’s debut will be delayed as the £65m signing caught up to the fitness levels of his teammates.

However, Matheus Cunha has shone in pre-season having joined United for £62.5m on the very first day of the window.

But Ruben Amorim raised eyebrows by leaving Cunha out of his squad to face Bournemouth on Thursday morning.

Matheus Cunha left out for Man United because of ‘fatigue’

After the disastrous 2024/25 season, Amorim set strict deadlines for pre-season to make sure his squad was in top shape for the summer.

Amorim’s sessions have been demanding, and the United manager confirmed that Cunha was left out against the Cherries because he was suffering from fatigue.

“Cunha has fatigue,” Amorim explained before kick-off.

“Need to assess all the players. Have to be careful with everyone. 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 pointed out that Cunha should be available for the next friendly against Everton – the final match of the US tour.

United will then face Fiorentina at Old Trafford in the final friendly of the summer before starting the season against Arsenal.

Mason Mount has chance to impress in Matheus Cunha’s absence

With Cunha out of the squad entirely, Amorim put his trust in Mason Mount to start as the left-sided No.10.

Mount is under huge pressure in 2025/26 to get his career back on track after an incredibly difficult start to his life at United.

The arrival of Cunha and Mbeumo pushes Mount further down the pecking order, but he is a player who is admired by Amorim.

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When he first arrived as head coach, Amorim expressed his love for Mount, and he continued to praise his character and attitude even during his injury-plagued season.

Mount will want to hit the ground running when the season starts, so a starting spot against Bournemouth gives him a platform to try and impress Amorim and his staff.