Manchester United face a visit to Brentford on Wednesday evening, as Ralf Rangnick’s boys look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Red Devils were held by Aston Villa to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park over the weekend, with the hosts coming back from 2-0 down to pinch a point. This left Ralf Rangnick’s men five points off fourth place, albeit with two games in hand.
A quick turnaround means United don’t have much time to prepare, with the interim manager expecting a better performance and all three points at Brentford.
Manchester United Team News
Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are back in contention after their one-game bans, while Cristiano Ronaldo (hip), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (illness) and Marcus Rashford (dead leg) are hoping to return after missing the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last weekend.
Paul Pogba was pictured with his Manchester United teammates on the training ground on Monday, although he isn’t yet ready to feature.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea again proved his quality against Aston Villa, making a couple of smart saves. He is set to continue in goal for the Red Devils.
Defence
Ralf Rangnick must have been very disappointed with the way his team conceded twice in the span of four minutes in the second half against Aston Villa. Yet, he is set to persist with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof at centre-back, and Diogo Dalot at right-back. Luke Shaw, free from suspension, will come back into the Man United lineup at the expense of Alex Telles at left-back.
Midfield
Scott McTominay is available on Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension and is expected to start in central midfield alongside Fred against Brentford. McTominay and Fred work well as a pair, and the duo will be tasked with screening the shaky Man United backline in west London.
Bruno Fernandes should have gained some confidence after his brace against Aston Villa. The Portuguese midfielder, a crucial cog in this Man United lineup, will be key in unlocking the rigid Brentford backline on Wednesday.
Attack
Anthony Elanga could keep his spot in the first XI after impressing on his first league start of the season at Villa Park. Mason Greenwood’s unpredictability to go both ways and smartness to drift into half-spaces could cause problems to the Bees defence.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit in time to face Thomas Frank’s side. The Portuguese megastar will go straight back into the Man United lineup, with Edinson Cavani dropping out of the Reds’ attack.