Manchester United will be aiming for their second win in a row against a foe from West London, as they prepare to take on Brentford on Saturday.

The contest will take place at the Gtech Community Stadium, and it kicks off at 12:30 UK time.

Ruben Amorim received a timely psychological boost after beating Chelsea at home last weekend, even though some might undermine the result given how they scored their two goals while enjoying a numerical advantage thanks to Robert Sanchez’s red card.

Nevertheless, Man Utd looked particularly dangerous from the get-go, and after all, it was a well-played team move that culminated in the goalkeeper’s dismissal.

How will Man Utd line up against Brentford?

While the manager might be tempted to keep his lineup as intact as possible, the circumstances won’t allow it, as Casemiro will be serving a suspension, while Noussair Mazraoui is doubtful after missing training on Thursday.

So who will start for the Red Devils in West London?

Altay Bayindir will likely keep his spot between the posts, while Senne Lammens continues to adjust to his new surroundings at Carrington. Amorim could also keep the same backline, with Harry Maguire starting between Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw, thus keeping Leny Yoro on the bench.

In the middle of the park, Manuel Ugarte is the natural replacement for Casemiro, even though the technical staff is working on launching Kobbie Mainoo as a No.6 at some point during the season. The Uruguayan will thus link up with his captain, Bruno Fernandes, in the double pivot.

Despite the aforementioned injury concern, many believe Mazraoui should be fit enough to start on the right flank, while the returning Diogo Dalot will offer Amorim an alternative solution, in addition to Amad Diallo’s perennial candidacy. Patrick Dorgu remains the clear favourite for the left wing-back slot.

Man United’s three summer signings could start together for first time

Finally, Matheus Cunha should be back in the starting lineup after making his return from injury last weekend against Chelsea.

Therefore, Amorim is expected to launch Man Utd’s highly anticipated attacking trident, with the Brazilian lining up alongside Bryan Mbeumo (who will take on his former Brentford teammates), and Benjamin Sesko leading the line, even though Mason Mount will be hoping to delay this event by re-entering the lineup following a brief injury stop.

Man Utd predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko

Manchester United are reportedly considering an alternative for Benjamin Sesko already, as Dusan Vlahovic reemerges as a potential transfer target.

The Red Devils completed their new-look attacking trident by signing the Slovenian from RB Leipzig for circa £74 million.

The physically imposing centre-forward is supposed to spearhead an attack, supported by fellow new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. However, the 22-year-old has yet to open his account for the club.

Man Utd still reflecting on Dusan Vlahovic option amidst Sesko struggles

While passing judgment on Sesko remains wildly immature, some fear that he could go down the Rasmus Hojlund path, as a young striker who finds himself out of his depth at Old Trafford.

Therefore, Man Utd might consider pairing the Slovenia international with a more accomplished profile, which could ease some of the pressure off his broad shoulders.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are still hoping to sell Vlahovic in January, with United and Chelsea keeping close tabs on the situation.

Vlahovic has been on Man Utd’s radar for quite some time now, but a deal never materialised.

The Serbian striker is running on an expiring contract, so the Serie A giants had already tried, unsuccessfully, to offload him last summer. Juve also signed two replacements for Vlahovic, acquiring the services of Jonathan David on a free transfer, while recruiting Sesko’s former Leipzig teammate, Loic Openda, on deadline day.

So even though Vlahovic has been the club’s top goalscorer this season (4 goals from 5 appearances), the Italian club has maintained the same stance, as they prefer to sell the bomber in January in return for a relatively small transfer fee, rather than losing him for free at the end of the season.

Why signing Vlahovic won’t be easy for Man United

While United wouldn’t be troubled by the player’s transfer fee, it should be remembered that Vlahovic’s hefty salary was the main reason why Juventus struggled to find him a buyer.

The 25-year-old’s yearly salary has now reached €12 million thanks to a lucrative loyalty bonus. The former Fiorentina striker is now the league’s highest earner by far, hence why he was in no rush to leave Turin last summer.

Hence, it remains to be seen if the ‘lightning’ forward would be willing to change his stance in January as his contract nears its expiry date.

Manchester United will be primarily focused on strengthening their midfield department next summer, with Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton emerging as the two most exciting names on the shortlist.

In the summer of 2025, INEOS pulled off a major attacking overhaul. They brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while offloading members of the so-called ‘bomb squad’.

The Red Devils also signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, but they didn’t have sufficient funds to bolster other departments.

In his most recent appearance on The United Stand, Ben Jacobs revealed that Ruben Amorim had also requested the signing of a midfielder and a wingback, but Jason Wilcox and Co. weren’t able to satisfy these two demands.

“I think there is a STRONG possibility that TWO come in, could that be Wharton & Baleba? ABSOLUTELY!” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/svgGAHCUPm

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 25, 2025

Carlos Baleba & Adam Wharton can both join Man Utd next summer

As the journalist explains, Man Utd were unable to address every issue in one transfer window, so the manager’s requests were delayed until the summer of 2026.

In the meantime, United continue to be linked with several midfielders, including Baleba and Wharton. The Cameroonian was the first name on the club’s shortlist last summer, but Brighton were only willing to negotiate figures north of £100 million.

On the other hand, the England international has been on the radar of several top clubs, but he ended up staying at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, Wharton’s chances of leaving the Eagles at the end of the season seem high, especially thanks to a reported gentleman’s agreement.

Nevertheless, Jacobs believes that MUFC might not necessarily have to pick between the two 21-year-old Premier League stars, as they could ‘absolutely’ sign both of them.

Would Man United sacrifice Bruno or Mainoo for exciting young duo?

As the transfer market insider explains, this exciting possibility largely hinges on departures. While Casemiro should certainly leave once his contract expires next summer, another United midfielder might have to make way for the incoming duo.

This could be either club captain Bruno Fernandes, who remains a highly sought-after profile in the Saudi Pro League, or Kobbie Mainoo, who has yet to establish himself as a regular starter in Amorim’s plans.

But while Man Utd fans would be loath to lose either one, linking up Wharton and Baleba in the double pivot is certainly an exciting thought, as the Englishman’s vision and technical skills would seamlessly complement the Cameroonian’s physical strength and stamina.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in the process of grooming Kobbie Mainoo for a new role.

The 20-year-old rose to stardom in the 2023/24 campaign when he made his major breakthrough with the first team. He even scored in the final of the FA Cup against Manchester City and went on to represent England in the European Championship.

However, the Man Utd academy product is coming off a challenging 2024/25 season, while the new campaign has yet to offer him any comfort.

Ruben Amorim ready to introduce Kobbie Mainoo in new role

Earlier this season, Amorim explained his vision for the middle of the park. He revealed that Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will be vying for the holding-midfielder role, while Mainoo will have to ‘fight’ Bruno Fernandes for the No.8 position.

Needless to say, the club captain has been comfortably winning the duel, as the youngster is still waiting for his first starting appearance in the Premier League. Therefore, circulating reports are claiming that Mainoo could be seeking a January exit in order to boost his chances of earning a World Cup call-up.

But according to The Sun, the Stockport native might not have to leave Man Utd after all, as substantial playing time could be on the way.

Could Mainoo be Man Utd’s new holding midfielder?

The source reveals that Amorim is desperate for a new solution for the No.6 role, especially following Casemiro’s needless red card against Chelsea.

Thus, the Portuguese manager and his staff have been closely working with Mainoo in training, as they look to transform him into a defensive midfielder capable of playing alongside Bruno rather than serving as his understudy.

This would certainly be a delightful scenario for United fans, as Mainoo is one of the most beloved players at Old Trafford. Even neutral pundits and observers have been urging Amorim to play the England international.

Hence, it remains to be seen if the young man will be able to morph into a new role that entails additional dirty work.

Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of exciting Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

The Red Devils may have bolstered their attack and their goalkeeping department in the summer, but they didn’t have much left in the coffers to land a top-notch midfielder.

Therefore, the midfield department remained almost intact, with the only difference being the departures of Christian Eriksen who saw out his contract at the end of last season, and Toby Collyer who joined West Bromwich Albion on loan.

Man United keeping tabs on Adam Wharton among others

With Casemiro blowing hot and cold, and Manuel Ugarte yet to impress, the consensus among most fans and observers is that Man Utd must absolutely prioritise the signing of a new midfielder as soon as possible.

While Carlos Baleba remains the ultimate dream, INEOS are also keeping tabs on more affordable profiles, particularly Wharton.

The 21-year-old, who has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by his England teammate Declan Rice, has been on a steady rise since making the move from Blackburn to Palace in January 2024.

According to Ben Jacobs, the youngster has a big chance of earning a move next summer thanks to a gentleman’s agreement struck with the management of Palace who won’t stand in his way.

Wharton can leave Crystal Palace for the right price

The journalist revealed as much during his appearance on The United Stand, while also denying Liverpool’s interest in either Baleba or Wharton, insisting that the Premier League champions will likely target an attacking midfielder next summer rather than a defensive midfielder.

🗣 @JacobsBen: “My understanding with Wharton is there’s kind of a gentleman’s agreement in place allowing him to leave Crystal Palace next summer, so that’s clearly going to be one to watch.” [@UnitedStandMUFC] pic.twitter.com/1NlGdHPjeg

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 25, 2025

While this latest update constitutes a boost for Man United’s hopes of landing Wharton, it should be noted that this sort of agreement could always turn sour, as evidenced by Viktor Gyokeres’ summer soap opera, and the back-and-forth media spat between the player’s agent and Sporting CP.

Moreover, one might also argue that United need a physical enforcer like Baleba in the No.6 role to complement Bruno Fernandes, while Wharton is viewed as a deep-lying playmaker.

Manchester United fans are left to sweat over the condition of Noussair Mazraoui, who was nowhere to be seen in Thursday’s training session.

The good news for Ruben Amorim was the return of Diogo Dalot who overcame an injury he suffered earlier this month while on international duty. The Portuguese player was spotted training alongside his teammates at Carrington.

But while one wingback returned to action, there are growing fears over another who has only recently returned to the pitch.

According to The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Mazraoui missed Man Utd’s training session on Thursday.

Mazraoui not visible in #mufc training imagery/footage so Sam Mather was drafted into training. Mather is predominantly a winger, so a logical replacement for Mazraoui in 3-4-2-1 training games. Amorim likely to update on Mazraoui’s fitness tomorrow.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 25, 2025

Noussair Mazraoui skips Man Utd training session amidst injury fears

The reporter expects Amorim to issue an update on the Moroccan star in Friday’s pre-match press conference. But in the meantime, the player’s availability for Saturday’s contest against Brentford remains doubtful.

The 27-year-old had already missed the first three Man Utd fixtures of the season with an injury. He made his return to action in the 3-2 win over Burnley, where he earned a brief cameo, before starting the last two contests against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Mazraoui is considered by some insiders as one of the club’s best signings in recent years. He made the move from Bayern Munich to United in the summer of 2024, under the orders of his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag.

Despite the latter’s departure in October of last year, the Morocco international remained a regular starter, with Amorim appreciating his versatility. Mazraoui has been featuring both as a wingback and a centre-back in the Portuguese manager’s 3-4-2-1 formation, filling in on both flanks, although he primarily plays on the right side.

Sam Mather joins Man United training in Mazraoui’s absence

With the former Bayern star unavailable, Amorim replaced him in training by calling up Sam Mather, a 21-year-old winger who plays for Man Utd U21.

The Salford native is a United academy product who had brief loan spells at Rochdale and Tranmere in the previous two campaigns. This season, has has thus far made two appearances in the Premier League 2, contributing with as many assists.

Ruben Amorim may be navigating a major injury setback in the build-up to Saturday’s clash with Brentford.

The Red Devils are undergoing their preparations for matchweek six, which sees them travel to the Gtech Community Stadium for the early kick-off slot.

Ruben Amorim has overseen back-to-back wins at Old Trafford, having reigned victorious against both Burnley and Chelsea, and now has the opportunity to record two successive wins after overturning Enzo Maresca’s side last time out.

Having his most trusted lieutenants at his disposal will certainly make things easier, although that mightn’t be the case in West London on Saturday afternoon.

Noussair Mazraoui sparks injury concern with training absence 

In training footage released today by United, Noussair Mazraoui is nowhere to be seen.

Samuel Luckhurst confirmed on X/Twitter that Sam Mather was ‘drafted’ into the setup, potentially in Mazraoui’s absence.

Mazraoui not visible in #mufc training imagery/footage so Sam Mather was drafted into training. Mather is predominantly a winger, so a logical replacement for Mazraoui in 3-4-2-1 training games. Amorim likely to update on Mazraoui’s fitness tomorrow.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 25, 2025

The Moroccan international only returned to action on August 30 against the Clarets after missing the start of the campaign through injury. He made a five-minute cameo off the bench to mark his comeback before starting the subsequent two fixtures and playing over an hour in each.

Why Mazraoui would be such a huge miss for Amorim 

He oversaw a particularly stellar performance in the win over Chelsea, so much so that he earned himself the highest Sofascore rating (7.8) of any of his teammates. Mazraoui won every single duel he attempted; eight ground duels and one aerial duel, as well as making four tackles, one clearance and completing two successful dribbles.

The 27-year-old, whom Owen Hargreaves claimed is ‘amazing every time he plays’, has proven influential in United’s positive displays, so Amorim will be crossing his fingers that Mazraoui can be included in the travelling squad.