Match Preview: Manchester United U21s v Brentford U21s

Brentford Under-21s return to Premier League 2 action on Friday night as they face Manchester United Under-21s at Progress With Unity Stadium (7pm kick-off BST).

Sam Saunders' side have enjoyed a successful start to life in the PL2, sitting seventh in the league table with two wins and a loss from their opening three games.

The 2026/27 season is Brentford Academy's first at Category One status, but the U21s are currently on the same amount of points as established top-ranked academy sides such as the Red Devils, Chelsea , Sunderland and Reading.

The busy start to the season will continue for the west Londoners next week when they kick off their EFL Trophy campaign on Tuesday night at Bromley.

The Bees were handed their first loss of the season last time out, falling to a 2-0 league defeat to Everton at Wheatsheaf Park.

After a tense first half, the sides went into the break even at 0-0.

Despite multiple chances for the Bees across the first half and the opening stages of the second period, it was the visitors who scored first prior to the hour mark.

As Saunders' side searched for an equaliser, the Toffees bagged a second goal just before full-time, ensuring they took home all three points.

Manchester United go into Friday's clash sitting fifth in the league table, ahead of the Bees on goal difference, with two wins from as many games.

The Red Devils opened their season with an impressive 5-0 win at home to Ipswich Town, following it up with a 4-1 victory against Leicester City.

Victor Musa, Jack Fletcher , Jaydan Kamason, Dan Armer and JJ Gabriel scored in the opening game win over Ipswich.

Shea Lacey opened the Leicester clash with a first-half brace, with Amir Ibragimov adding a third goal in first-half stoppage-time. Gabriel scored a fourth for United in the second half to secure all three points.

Supporters can follow live updates from the game against Manchester United across the club's social media channels , with a match report available on the club's official website and app shortly after full-time.