How Brentford will try to stop Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United reunion | OneFootball

A familiar face returns to west London this weekend as Bees attempt to thwart their former talisman

Bryan Mbeumo returns to Brentford this weekend for the first time since his £71million summer move to Manchester United.

Mbeumo has earmarked himself as a key part of United's new-look attack, and drew the early foul that saw Robert Sanchez sent off during last weekend's much-needed 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Back on familiar ground, Mbeumo will be looking to affect the game from the right wing, driving inside and arrowing shots towards Caoimhin Kelleher's near post.

Brentford left-back Keane Lewis-Potter will have come up against Mbeumo's trademark move many times in training.

However, Saturday will represent a challenge for the converted winger, who hasn't been able to find the same consistency he enjoyed last season.

Challenge: Keane Lewis-Potter is only too aware of the qualities possessed by former team-mate Mbeumo

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The return to fitness of Rico Henry, Brentford's current longest-serving player, means Lewis-Potter faces strong competition for minutes, and his concentration will be put to the test by Mbeumo, with no United player taking more shots or touches inside the opposition penalty area this season, according to FBref.

Confidence is thin on the ground at United currently, but Mbeumo, who leads the squad for progressive passes received, is relishing the responsibility, demanding the ball and trying to make things happen.

A constant presence, Mbeumo has just one goal to show for his efforts this season, but his relentless nature means that while team-mates shy away from the ball, he actively searches for possession, looking to get his full-back on the turn in an instant.

Amorim praised Mbeumo's aggressiveness after United's victory over Chelsea, and said he was pleased with the relationship that appeared to be growing between him and striker Benjamin Sesko.

The pair combined in the build-up to Sanchez's fifth-minute dismissal, with Sesko flicking the ball on into the path of Mbeumo, and Brentford will have to be wary of letting their former talisman break in behind.

Brentford, who were first for aerial duels won last season but have dropped as low as 12th this term, will need to be more assertive in the air up against Sesko, having struggled to clear their lines during the derby defeat by Fulham.

Mbeumo still has a lot of goodwill at Brentford. This will be a homecoming for the winger, who grew from a boy to a man during his six years in west London.

Football, though, is a business, and Mbeumo seems determined to turn United's fortunes around, even if it is to the detriment of his former club.