Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Monday night as they aim to take another step towards Champions League qualification

07:00, 27 Apr 2026

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Monday night as they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford. United will be boosted by the return of Harry Maguire to their squad with the defender back after serving a two-match suspension. Lisandro Martinez will serve the second game of his three-match ban tonight after being sent off against Leeds.

Michael Carrick was hopeful of having Leny Yoro back to take on Brentford. The France international missed training last week with a minor niggle. Patrick Dorgu is making good progress but will not be fit for the game while Matthijs de Ligt has just returned to individual training.

Matheus Cunha also missed training on Thursday due to a recovery day. There is no suggestion he will be unavailable tonight. MEN Sport has asked our United writers for their preferred teams for this evening.

Tyrone Marshall

Carrick seemed unsure if Yoro would be fit for this game. Either way, I don’t think you need to risk him. Ayden Heaven was excellent against Chelsea and with Maguire back from suspension those two can play, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw at full-back.

The midfield picks itself at the moment. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo is an excellent partnership and Mainoo will want to relish every minute he gets to play next to the five-time Champions League winner. Bruno Fernandes will be looking for another assist as the No. 10.

Benjamin Sesko has started the last couple and he did score against these opponents earlier in the season. I was tempted to change it up, but I’ll stick with the Slovenian leading the line, with Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha out wide.

Steven Railston

Heaven and Maguire will start together for the first time in a back four, but that is not a concern given Heaven’s strong performance at Stamford Bridge. The young defender should look even better alongside the experienced Maguire.

I would make no other changes to the starting XI. The midfield picks itself and Amad seems a tad out of form, which means an attack of Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha is the best choice to take on Brentford.

Sesko scored his first United goal against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in September. The striker enjoyed a purple patch at the start of 2026, but he has not found the net in three games and would love a goal tonight.

Jack Flintham

United’s makeshift defence at Chelsea last week served them well but I would be tempted to make a change. Heaven impressed at centre-back and deserves to keep his place while Yoro returns to full fitness.

Maguire’s return is timely and starting him alongside Heaven seems a good option. Noussair Mazraoui may be unlucky to miss out but Dalot was impressive at Stamford Bridge.

Otherwise, it makes sense to stick with the same team. Mbeumo and Cunha were both impressive against Chelsea while Sesko continues to strengthen with every game.

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