Explained: Why Matheus Cunha was left out of Man Utd's squad for Bournemouth friendly as Ruben Amorim makes concerning admission about £62.5m forward

The Red Devils have invested heavily in Brazil international Cunha. They parted with a £62.5 million ($83m) fee in order to prise the South American forward away from Premier League rivals Wolves.

Cunha started for United in their 2-1 win over West Ham, during an ongoing pre-season tour of America. He played 65 minutes of that contest, but was not involved at all when the Red Devils faced Bournemouth in Chicago.

Amorim has revealed that Cunha is struggling for full match sharpness, with no risks being taken on his fitness. The plan is to bring him back into the fold for a meeting with Everton in Atlanta on Sunday.

Amorim said when asked to explain Cunha’s absence against the Cherries: “Cunha has fatigue. We need to assess all the players and we 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.”

United’s other expensive summer signing, ex-Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, could make his first appearance for the club against Everton. Amorim’s side head into that contest full of confidence after seeing Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad and Ethan Williams find the target in a comfortable 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.