Cunha returns as United face Brentford; Hickey's 700-day wait ends and Mbeumo starts against his former club
Matheus Cunha back in United's XI as Casemiro serves a ban; Brentford recall Aaron Hickey for the first time in 700 days and Bryan Mbeumo starts against his former club.
Manchester United head to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday with Matheus Cunha back in the camp and Casemiro serving a suspension. Manager Ruben Amorim made three changes to the side that beat Chelsea last weekend, bringing in Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot alongside Cunha. Amad Diallo was unavailable on compassionate leave and Noussair Mazroui was ruled out until the next international break with an injury.
Brentford will hand Aaron Hickey a start for the first time in 700 days, a milestone for the right-back. Igor Thiago leads the Bees' attack, flanked by Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade, while Bryan Mbeumo starts against his former club.
United’s midfield and defense look reshaped by Casemiro’s ban, with Cunha’s return providing a creative option alongside Ugarte and a fit Diogo Dalot at right-back. Amorim’s approach reflects continuity from the win over Chelsea, albeit with three enforced changes that test the squad’s depth as the campaign gathers pace. The setup underscores United’s effort to push progress under a manager who has stressed balance between attack and discipline amid an early-season fixture congestion.
The day’s narrative also centers on Mbeumo’s homecoming to his former club. The Brentford winger has faced questions about his reception from the crowd, but his inclusion in the starting XI adds another layer to a game that is as much about personal stories as it is about league points.
Analysts have weighed in on United’s form as they prepare for a demanding schedule. Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking to Betfair, said United are not a particularly strong team at the moment and described them as a work in progress, a reminder that the fixture comes at a time when stability and results are both sought.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 BST as part of a Saturday filled with top-tier fixtures. United’s trip to Brentford is one of the day’s marquee events, with fans hoping the reshaped XI can translate last weekend’s win into another positive result away from home.
