Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick spoke to the media before Monday evening’s victory over Brentford, confirming the reason for Matheus Cunha’s absence.

United sealed all three points against Brentford courtesy of goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko.

Casemiro broke the deadlock inside 11 minutes, nodding home a headed delivery from Harry Maguire. It was another goal from a dead-ball situation for United, who have grown into a real threat from set pieces this season.

Brentford grew into the game from there but it was United, against the run of play, who scored the next goal.

Amad won the ball back and sparked a dangerous counter-attack by laying it off to Bruno Fernandes. The United skipper raced up the pitch, flanked by Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo on either side. Fernandes opted for Sesko, who produced some fine footwork to beat the defender before firing into the back of the net.

The Red Devils were solid for most of the second half and looked set for a comfortable victory before Mathias Jensen pulled one back for the Bees.

However, United held on for all three points to inch closer to securing Champions League football.

Cunha, who scored United’s winner against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, was the biggest absentee from the matchday squad.

Carrick spoke to Sky Sports before the game and revealed that the Brazilian picked up an injury, which forced him to remain on the sidelines.

The 44-year-old coach said, “He just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game.”

“It looked promising in the week but he didn’t recover in time, as hoped.”

Carrick added, “It’s nothing too serious but, unfortunately, he misses out tonight.”

As United prepare to face Liverpool this weekend, there is no doubt Cunha will do everything possible to be fit and available for that contest.

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