Man United predicted line-up vs Brentford: huge Matheus Cunha call made amid Diogo Dalot fitness update

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday in the early kick-off (12:30 BST) at Brentford at the Gtech Stadium, as Ruben Amorim’s side aim to build on victory over Chelsea last time out.

With no Carabao Cup action in midweek thanks to defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town in August, the Red Devils have had a full week to prepare for their trip to west London to face the 17th-placed Bees.

In a quite remarkable stat, United have not won consecutive Premier League games since way back in May 2024. They have not won consecutive games including all competitions since March 2025. Bringing an end to both of these streaks will no doubt be the aim on Saturday.

Brentford saw their squad depleted by several high-profile departures over the summer and have begun the season slowly, despite some spirited performances. They will provide a tough test in a fixture they won 4-3 in May.

Will Matheus Cunha be fit to start against Brentford?

The signs all points towards a return to the Man United starting line-up for £62.5 million signing Matheus Cunha, who came on for the final half an hour against Chelsea for his first appearance since picking up a hamstring injury in the first half against Burnley in August.

The return of Cunha from the start will be a major boost for the Red Devils, with the Brazilian a shining light in their opening two league fixtures before spending a few weeks out of action. His driving runs forward are likely to be a key part of how United play this season, while his record of 15 Premier League goals last campaign speaks for itself.

Amad Diallo has been starting in the wide left forward position in Cunha’s absence and is likely to return to competing for a spot as right wing-back with the former Wolves man returning to the side. This may, therefore, mean we get to see the £207m strike force of Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko start together for the first time. Mbeumo will be making a first return to former club Brentford since departing in July.

Injury updates on Diogo Dalot and other absentees

Diogo Dalot is expected to return to contention against Brentford after missing the last two matches with a knock he picked up on international duty with Portugal. Assuming under-fire Ruben Amorim sticks to his 3-4-2-1 formation - which he almost certainly will - Dalot will compete for a starting spot at right wing-back alongside Amad and Noussair Mazraoui.

With Brentford’s aerial threat from set pieces and long throw-ins taken into account, Dalot may be given the nod over Amad to provide increased defensive solidity from the right. This decision may be helped by a fresh concern to Mazraoui, who was noticeably missing from training according to recent reports.

Lisandro Martinez will remain out after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury in February. He has reportedly begun training and may be targeting a return to action next month. Casemiro will also be unavailable against Brentford as the Brazilian serves a one-match ban after his sending off against Chelsea last time out. Manuel Ugarte is likely to come in to replace him.

Altay Bayindir is set to continue in goal for the Red Devils, with Senne Lammens yet to be introduced into the line-up since his deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp.

Man United full predicted starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.