Rúben Amorim has hinted at who may be starting as Manchester United travel to face Brentford in the Premier League next weekend.
Manchester United kick off this weekend’s Premier League action with a Saturday afternoon trip to Brentford in West London.
Rúben Amorim’s side have taken two wins, two defeats and a draw so far, leaving them 11th in the table and under pressure to build momentum.
Their victories have come from Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty against Burnley and a 2-1 triumph over Chelsea last week, a match tipped in their favour after Robert Sánchez was dismissed.
That win over Enzo Maresca’s men now gives Amorim the chance to finally secure successive league victories for the first time in his tenure, a step that could spark a much-needed run of form.
Amorim feels Mbeumo has become “very important”
United travelling down to Brentford represents Bryan Mbeumo’s return to the club he gave six seasons to, and it will be the first time he’s played at the Gtech Community Stadium since his £65 million move to Old Trafford.
Naturally, Amorim was asked about Cameroon’s impact so far at United, and the head coach admitted that the winger has been very important to the squad since his arrival.
“It’s really important for everything he has been doing,” Amorim told the press on Friday afternoon. “The light he brings to the dressing room.
“He is not the guy who talks, but he is always there to help us. He runs a lot, presses a lot; he is a different threat to [what the side had] last season. I’m more than happy with Bryan.”
Naturally, Mbeumo’s return and Amorim’s words hint that the 26-year-old will be part of the United starting XI when the club line up on Saturday afternoon in London.
Zirkzee could also find himself starting
United began the season with Matheus Cunha leading the line, but fellow summer arrival Benjamin Šeško has started the last two Premier League matches.
The Slovenian was withdrawn at half-time against Chelsea following Casemiro’s red card, and many expect him to keep his place up front for Saturday’s trip to London.
Even so, with the 22-year-old still searching for his first United goal and Brentford likely to present a very physical challenge, Amorim may turn to Joshua Zirkzee, who is currently more accustomed to the intensity of the Premier League.
Šeško has impressed with his link-up play and understanding with teammates, but given he is still adapting to the physical demands of English football, Amorim might consider Zirkzee—who has been showcasing “perfect” finishing in training—the safer option to lead the attack.
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