Manchester United have almost sealed their Champions League spot.
Old Trafford on a Monday night, and Manchester United have every reason to make it count. Michael Carrick’s side sit third in the Premier League table, five points away from guaranteeing Champions League football, and the wounds from their last home outing are still fresh. A 2-1 loss to Leeds United at Old Trafford stung, and while last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Chelsea restored some momentum, United will want to put on a show in front of their own fans.
Brentford arrive in decent enough shape on paper. They are unbeaten in their last six matches (in the PL), but five consecutive Premier League draws have taken the edge off their European push. Keith Andrews’ side are still two points behind sixth-placed Brighton with a game in hand, so this is very much a must-win trip north.
The subplot worth watching is Bruno Fernandes. Brentford will need a plan for him, particularly from set-pieces, where United have scored 16 league goals this season, second only to Arsenal. Fernandes has laid on more goals from corners and free-kicks than any player in the top flight.
Manchester United and Brentford Injury Updates
Harry Maguire returns from suspension after missing the Chelsea win and the Leeds defeat. Lisandro Martinez serves the second game of his three-match ban, while Patrick Dorgu remains out with a muscle injury and Leny Yoro is a doubt after picking up a knock in training. Matthijs de Ligt is also unavailable.
Brentford are stretched at the back. Rico Henry, Vitaly Janelt and Jordan Henderson are all expected to miss the trip, along with long-term absentees Fabio Carvalho, Jay Dasilva and Antoni Milambo.
Manchester United vs. Brentford Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-3-3): Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Yarmoliuk; Damsgaard, Ouattara, Schade; Thiago
Prediction
Carrick has United playing with clarity and intensity, and Old Trafford under the lights should suit them well. Brentford’s squad depth is a concern, and five draws in a row tells one they are a side struggling to find a killer instinct right now. Igor Thiago will always carry a threat, but this feels like United’s night.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Brentford