Manchester United will be aiming to bounce back from their opening weekend defeat when they travel to west London to face Brentford.
The Erik ten Hag era started in the worst possible manner, as Brighton and Hove Albion stunned the Red Devils 2-1 at Old Trafford. It was a poor performance from the hosts, and even though they were in control for the majority of the game, Brighton were able to convert their opportunities in front of goal.
As a result, Ten Hag will expect an improved performance from his boys at Brentford as he looks to get Manchester United’s season up and running.
Manchester United Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo is pushing for a start against Brentford on Saturday after being benched for Manchester United’s season-opening defeat to Brighton.
Anthony Martial is unlikely to return against Brentford as he’s still battling a hamstring injury. Brandon Williams and Phil Jones are lacking fitness after missing the pre-season tour while Facundo Pellestri is nursing an ankle problem.
🔊 "I know we have to win every game and I know everyone expects us to win every game, so we have to deal with that," Erik adds.
"All I can do is prepare my team as well as I can and I'm focusing on that." 💪#MUFC || #BREMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 12, 2022
Victor Lindelof was absent from last weekend’s matchday squad and his involvement on Saturday remains in doubt, for now.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea remains the undisputed No.1 for Manchester United. After conceding twice in the defeat to Brighton, the Spanish shot-stopper will be raring to keep a clean sheet against Brentford.
Defence
The Manchester United backline looked shaky at times against Brighton, with skipper Harry Maguire being paired for the first time with new signing Lisandro Martinez. While Maguire and Martinez improved to a degree in the second half, they will have to be at their best to neutralise the threat of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.
Both Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw endured poor games last time out, but Ten Hag is likely to keep the duo in the Manchester United lineup.
Midfield
The false nine system with Christian Eriksen up front clearly didn’t work against Brighton, so Ten Hag is expected to shake things up on Saturday.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Brentford
Fred and Scott McTominay were poor in possession and off it, which could see one of the duo drop out from the Manchester United lineup. Due to Fred’s pressing, energy to cover a lot of ground and ball-winning skills, he could get the nod over McTominay, with Eriksen likely dropping back into the midfield to control the tempo of the game against his former employers.
Bruno Fernandes had an off day too, but his ability to create things out of nothing should see the Portuguese start again in his preferred no.10 role, thus, keeping Donny Van de Beek on the bench again.
Attack
As Manchester United aren’t blessed with quality wide options, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are likely to continue on the wings.
There is a good chance of watching Ronaldo lead the United attack against Thomas Frank’s side. The Portuguese superstar will be raring to show how good he still is and deliver the goods for the visitors.
