Amorim to update on Cunha fitness

Matheus Cunha posted an encouraging message on social media earlier this week that hinted he could be back in the Manchester United squad for tomorrow's Premier League encounter with West Ham at Old Trafford.

After missing two matches with a head injury, the Brazil international's availability is likely to be one of the key elements of Ruben Amorim's news conference, when he is also expected to update on exactly when Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui have to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.

In the 'one step forward, one step back' way this season has gone for United, Thursday's game comes off the back of an excellent win at Crystal Palace that followed a depressing loss against 10-man Everton.

With Brighton and Aston Villa, two of the clubs within striking distance above them, meeting on Wednesday in addition to Sunderland and Liverpool, who are also just ahead and just behind United respectively, it is a chance to move into the top six before Monday's trip to rock bottom Wolves, who are yet to win a game.

If there was an opportunity for Amorim's squad to prove they are destined for a much better season that last year's shambolic 15th place, this is it.