Manchester United will look to head into the international break with a positive result against Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League, on the back of successive home defeats.
The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace in the league last weekend, making it four defeats from their opening seven matches of the campaign to leave them 10th in the table. They also lost 2-3 to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, leaving Erik ten Hag in a spot of bother.
The Dutch manager will want a strong response from his side when they host Brentford, who come into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw against 10-man Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United Team News
Antony returned to training and made a brief substitute appearance in the 2-3 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League. Sergio Reguilon has missed Man United’s last three matches due to a hamstring issue and his availability on Saturday remains doubtful.
Full-backs Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka appear certain to be unavailable, while Lisandro Martinez faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a foot operation. Amad Diallo is also out but Kobbie Mainoo resumed training with the squad last week.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana has been a major weak link of late, costing Man United against Galatasaray in midweek. Yet, Ten Hag is expected to stick with Onana in goal at the weekend, hoping the Cameroonian negotiates the difficult period and gets back his mojo.
Defence
Following consecutive home defeats, Ten Hag is expected to ring changes in defence which has looked vulnerable in recent weeks. Diogo Dalot is the only fit full-back at the moment and Ten Hag could switch his position from right-back to left-back in the Man United lineup, thereby, releasing Sofyan Amrabat from his stand-in role on the left-hand side of defence.
Victor Lindelof may be shifted to a right-back role, with Harry Maguire possibly getting the nod to partner Raphael Varane in central defence in the Man United lineup against the Bees.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat could start in his natural role in midfield for the first time since making his debut for the club against Burnley at Turf Moor last month. The Moroccan may form the double pivot with Casemiro in United’s midfield, with Mason Mount operating as the creative glue from the No.10 role in the Man United lineup.
Ten Hag will expect the midfield trio of Amrabat, Casemiro and Mount to dominate possession and create openings in the final third, as well as protect the leaky backline adequately.
Attack
Despite being off form, Bruno Fernandes will wear the armband as ever. The Portuguese will look to provide creativity to United’s attack from the right flank, with Antony expected to start on the bench again. Marcus Rashford should get the nod ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in the Man United lineup, despite his underwhelming start to the season.
Rasmus Hojlund, who scored an eye-catching brace in United’s shock 2-3 defeat to Galatasaray in midweek, is a surefire candidate to lead the Red Devils’ attack against Brentford.
Anthony Martial, Antony, Hannibal and Garnacho will be vying for opportunities to make an impact off the bench.
