Mazraoui is likely to miss Manchester United's match against Brentford, but one player’s return could provide cover! Lamens may make his debut.

Manchester United’s right-back Mazraoui seems to be facing injury troubles once more and did not participate in training this week. Ruben Amorim has brought in young talent Sam Mather, who was unsuccessful in a summer transfer, to train with the senior squad. Should the Moroccan defender be unavailable for the Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday, the fit-again Diogo Dalot can step into that role.

Mazraoui and center-back Lisandro Martinez were the only players absent from the training video released by Manchester United. Martinez is sidelined with a long-term injury and continues individual training; he is expected to return no earlier than after the October international break.

Mazraoui was injured during the preseason camp but returned to the squad last month. He started in the Premier League matches against Manchester City and Chelsea. However, he missed training on Tuesday, and head coach Ruben Amorim may provide an update on his injury status at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Dalot was injured during the September international break and missed the last two matches, but the Portuguese international has resumed training and is now available for selection by Amorim. His teammates welcomed him back with a traditional lineup pat. At right wing-back, Manchester United can also deploy right winger Amad Diallo.

If Amad plays as right wing-back, Manchester United’s promising academy star Cody Meno will hope to earn his first league start of the season. Should Amorim decide to push captain Bruno Fernandes further forward, Meno might partner with Ugarte in a 3-4-3 midfield central role. However, Amorim may avoid this since Cunha and Mason Mount have both returned.

If Meno partners Bruno in midfield, Manchester United might become vulnerable defensively. Nevertheless, Meno’s agent team tirelessly promotes his chances. A source told The Sun: “Ruben has been working closely with Cody on his defensive tactics and repeatedly discussing defensive awareness, aiming to eventually have him play alongside Bruno Fernandes. Cody’s ability to play as a number 6 is crucial, especially since Casemiro’s form is inconsistent and he often faces suspensions. As for Ugarte, he still hasn’t fully earned Ruben’s trust.”

The insider praised: “Cody’s outstanding athleticism and strong desire to win are highly valued by Ruben. The coach has clearly expressed his hope that Cody fully commits to the game and is willing to contribute in any midfield position, even as a number 6, because the team lacks influential players in that role.”

Regarding Amorim’s relationship with Meno, the source insisted: “Cody is a player Ruben greatly admires, but he also expects him to keep working hard in training, be willing to make sacrifices, and understand that opportunities and playing time must be earned gradually over a long season. Ruben trusts Cody’s talent and has noticed his recent hard work and full effort in training. He likes seeing Cody enter ‘fight mode’ and appreciates that mindset. Ruben highly values Cody’s athleticism, football intelligence, and technical skills, hoping he continues to improve. Ruben believes that in certain matches and situations, Cody is fully capable of playing as a defensive midfielder. Playing as a number 6 will help him develop into a better, more complete player, allowing him to progress and realize his full potential.”

Although 21-year-old Mather has been training, he is unlikely to feature in matches. This Manchester United academy prospect was part of the 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning squad alongside teammates Ganjo and Cody Meno. In 2024, he joined “SEG International Agency,” associated with former United manager Ten Hag. After Hoylund’s transfer to Napoli, Mather remains the only player in the squad linked to SEG. He had hoped to leave in the summer transfer window but failed to find a new club.

Another player highly regarded internally is the £18 million signing, goalkeeper Sena Lamens. British media reports suggest he might make his debut in the upcoming away match against Brentford. Since joining on September 1, Lamens has impressed in training by frequently saving his teammates’ excellent shots, earning him the nickname “The Iron Dome.”