Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opted to bench new signing Matheus Cunha for the Premier League clash with Brighton, handing Mason Mount a place in the starting eleven instead. The decision comes as a surprise given Cunha's recent arrival and the expectation he would feature prominently in this crucial fixture.

Mount's inclusion suggests he has overcome any fitness concerns following his return from injury, providing Manchester United with experience and creativity in midfield. Meanwhile, Cunha's omission from the starting XI raises questions about his adaptation to English football and Ten Hag's tactical approach for this match.

The lineup choice reflects United's ongoing rebuilding process under Ten Hag, with the manager clearly prioritizing certain players for this fixture. Fans will be watching closely to see how Mount performs and whether Cunha's bench role becomes a regular occurrence. This match represents another step in United's campaign to secure a top-four finish.

The decision to start Mount over Cunha signals Ten Hag's immediate trust in the midfielder's ability to handle Brighton's pressing style, while Cunha may need more time to adjust to the Premier League's demands.