Manchester United received a blend of positive and worrying updates ahead of their Premier League showdown against West Ham on Friday (December 5, 2025). Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that two players are doubtful for the match, but the Portuguese coach refused to reveal their identities—an intentional move to protect his tactical plan.
The Red Devils are entering the fixture with renewed confidence following their victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. However, they remain without two key names: Harry Maguire, who is still recovering from a thigh injury, and Benjamin Šeško, sidelined with a knee problem.
On the brighter side, Matheus Cunha has returned to full training and is cleared to play against West Ham. The Brazilian forward missed the defeats to Everton and the win over Crystal Palace due to a head injury.
Yet Amorim’s revelation about two additional injury doubts has created uncertainty around United’s starting lineup.
Two Players Uncertain—But Identities Remain a Secret
Amorim deliberately kept the names of the doubtful players hidden, believing that any disclosure could give West Ham an advantage in preparing their game plan.
“We have two players who are doubtful. I’m not going to say who because it would change the way we approach the match,” Amorim told the media in his pre-match press conference, as reported by Metro on Thursday (December 4, 2025).
“We’ll see tomorrow if they can play. The rest are fine. Matheus is back, but Harry and Šeško are still out.”
This tactical secrecy adds intrigue ahead of the meeting with Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham, especially as the Hammers recently made a managerial switch following Graham Potter’s disappointing start—collecting just 11 points from 13 games.
Cunha Expected to Play a Bigger Role
Amorim expressed optimism regarding Matheus Cunha, who scored his first goal for Manchester United shortly before sustaining his injury. The manager believes that the Brazilian is on the right path toward becoming a crucial player for the club.
“He can still improve a lot. He is in a club with different expectations and pressure,” Amorim said.
“He struggled because he hadn’t scored yet and thought too much about numbers, but his impact on the team is very important.”
Cunha’s return is expected to boost United’s attacking depth, particularly with Šeško still unavailable.
Praise for Rising Star Shea Lacey
Another highlight from Amorim’s press session was his praise for Shea Lacey, the 18-year-old talent who has been impressing during training sessions. Although Lacey is still awaiting his senior debut, Amorim believes the youngster is edging closer to earning first-team minutes.
“We try to explain every day how to play with confidence and without hesitation,” Amorim explained.
“The physical level, the speed, the pressure, the moments in possession—they are all very different from U-21 football.”“His chance will come, at some point. He is ready to play.”
Lacey’s progression reflects Amorim’s commitment to integrating academy prospects into the senior squad, much like his approach during his tenure with Sporting CP.
United Looking to Maintain Momentum
Manchester United will enter the West Ham fixture aiming to build on recent positive results and climb further up the table. However, the uncertainty surrounding two unnamed players adds an extra layer of intrigue to Amorim’s selection.
Regardless of who is available, Amorim insists his team is fully focused on securing another important victory.
ALSO READ :
