Three to watch | United
Continuing our new feature for 2026/27, where we'll select three players from our opponents to keep a close eye on.
Next up, three United players to watch as we return to Premier League action against the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Saturday (5.30pm).
Bruno Fernandes
Any key player feature on United has to start with Bruno Fernandes. Premier League and PFA Player of the Season last term, he broke the record for most assists (21) in a season in 2025/26. United's driving force from the centre of midfield, box-to-box, the Portugal international can dominate games - just like he did following Cuti Romero's red card in the first half of our clash at Old Trafford last season. It was 0-0 at the time, United went on to win 2-0, Bruno scored the second. Stop him, and we'll go a long way to stopping United.
Kobbie Mainoo
Described as United's best player so far this season by Paul Hirst of The Times, Mainoo won United's Player of the Month for September and has started their last four Premier League games. A member of England's World Cup squad, Mainoo is great on the ball, covers the ground and is particularly impressive when driving United forward from deep.
Carlos Baleba
Primed to make his debut, Baleba is another player off the Brighton production line, following the likes of Caicedo, Cucurella, Pedro and, of course, Jan Paul van Hecke. Full of energy, box-to-box, the Cameroon midfielder is a ball-winning, physical presence in the engine room who can also receive the ball and start moves from the base.