Man Utd lineup v Brentford: Maguire back as Carrick decides between Sesko and Mbeumo

Harry Maguire will lead the Manchester United defence in his return from suspension and the main question is who will partner him with Leny Yoro fit.

Michael Carrick has delivered a cautious but encouraging injury update ahead of tonight's Premier League trip to Brentford — Yoro back in contention and the overall squad picture healthier than it has been for weeks.

Carrick stopped short of confirming the French teenager as available but left the door firmly open in his pre-match press conference.

"We're still working on that one. There's a possibility, there's a possibility, but at this stage it's not 100 per cent sure."

Ayden Heaven did well in the last game at Chelsea and so he may well start alongside Maguire who is back from suspension - while Lisandro Martinez is still banned for his hair pull against Leeds.

Patrick Dorgu continues his recovery from the thigh injury that has kept him out for ten games and Carrick sounded genuinely encouraged about his progress.

"Patrick's working his way to being back, certainly making good progress and back closer to training with us, which is positive," he said.

A return before the end of the season looks realistic. Tonight is too soon but his reintegration into training is a welcome boost heading into the final four games.

Matthijs de Ligt remains the most complex situation but Carrick provided the most positive update yet on the Dutch centre-back who has not featured since November.

"He's back on the grass at the moment, in a small capacity, but he's working towards it. So that's positive," said Carrick.

Asked whether De Ligt could feature again this season, Carrick refused to rule it out entirely — a small but meaningful shift in tone from previous weeks.

Beyond those specific updates Carrick reported no major new concerns coming out of the Chelsea game.

"To be honest, everything's alright, as it was. Couple of knocks and niggles a little bit, coming out of the game, that you'd expect," he said.

The return of Maguire with his influence throughout the team is the main positive news. While in attack it also has to be seen who will play between Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo.

Predicted United XI v Brentford: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo