Manchester United will host Brentford at Old Trafford in the third pre-season friendly. Brentford will play in the upcoming Premier League season after winning the play-offs, so it will be an interesting game between the two sides.
The Red Devils have so far played Derby County and QPR, winning the first match 2-1 and losing the second match 4-2.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had to play a young squad with few first-team players in the opening two pre-season matches. That may be the trend once again on Wednesday night as the Red Devils’ international players haven’t yet returned to training.
Manchester United Team News: Tahith Chong has moved on loan to Birmingham City and will not be involved in Wednesday’s match.
Left-back Alex Telles has suffered an injury and will miss the opening few weeks of the season. Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot and Donny van de Beek have both returned to training and may be involved in the game against Brentford.
Let’s take a look at the possible Manchester United lineup for the game against Brentford.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Brentford
Goalkeeper
Tom Heaton has started the first two preseason games and he should start once again, against Brentford. David de Gea and Dean Henderson haven’t returned to training yet.
Defence
The Red Devils will likely feature a young backline yet again with Teden Mengi and Axel Tuanzebe playing at the back. Telles’ injury means that Brandon Williams should continue at left-back, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka should play at right-back. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will return to training only next week.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Brentford – Pre-season
Dalot could get some game time in the second half, along with youngsters like Will Fish and Di’Shon Bernard.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic and Andreas Pereira started the last game, and one of the two should start against Brentford. James Garner could come in for Pereira in central midfield, while Dylan Levitt is an option as well.
Jesse Lingard played in the No. 10 role last time around and he could retain his place. Donny van de Beek could get some game time in the second half in midfield.
Attack
Daniel James played off the left with Facundo Pellestri on the right. Pellestri could make way for Juan Mata, who could start off the right. The young Uruguayan could be one of many substitutes that could play in the second half, along with the likes of Anthony Elanga, Hannibal Mejbri, and Shola Shoretire.
Mason Greenwood will start as the lone forward for Manchester United against Brentford. Joe Hugill, who signed a new contract this week, should be a second-half option.