Lucas Da Cunha returns to the starting eleven against the Red Devils

Lucas Da Cunha, French captain of Como, regains his place in the starting eleven for the Champions League kickoff this Wednesday at 18 h 45 against Manchester United. Dropped to the bench by Cesc Fabregas last week during the 3‑2 defeat to Feyenoord in the Netherlands, the midfielder takes back the reins of the midfield against the Red Devils.

A much‑anticipated return

The left‑footed player, trained at Stade Rennais, was selected twice by Zinédine Zidane as number 6 during the last international window: a 0‑1 win in Belgium and then a 1‑1 draw against Italy at the Stade de France. This experience heightens the expectations around his role at Como.

Goalkeeper Jean Butez, called up by “Zizou” last month to join Mike Maignan and Guillaume Restes, is also in the starting lineup from the first whistle.

In attack, Nico Paz supports striker Tasos Douvikas, while Martin Baturina occupies the left wing, providing an offensive alternative to the Lombard formation.

For Manchester United, the absence of Leny Yoro is felt. Former Strasbourg player Andrey Santos occupies the midfield alongside Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans, captain Bruno Fernandes orchestrates the play, and Matheus Cunha with Bryan Mbeumo lead the attack, with Amad Diallo starting on the bench. The Man side, also known as United, relies on these players to compensate for the missing pieces.

Leny Yoro, another French neo‑international, is suspended after his red card against Atlético de Madrid last week (2‑0 defeat). Moreover, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko are unavailable, further weakening United’s lineup.

The contrast between Lucas Da Cunha’s return and Manchester United’s numerous absences highlights the difference in availability between the two squads, a factor that could influence the course of the duel.