Man Utd vs Brentford: preview, how to watch, team news and prediction

Manchester United are set to host Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Having enjoyed a promising campaign after appointing Erik ten Hag as the new boss last term, there was optimism ahead of this season that they will be able to build upon that foundation.

The Red Devils even spent big this summer and strengthened the squad, however, things haven’t gone according to the plan for the record Premier League champions so far this term.

They have already lost four out of seven games in the league this season, while they have endured an even more dire commencement to the Champions League having returned to this competition after remaining absent last term.

After losing to Bayern Munich in the opening fixture, United were defeated by Turkish champions Galatasaray in midweek. So, they have currently found themselves at the bottom of the group and it has now become very hard for them to qualify for the knockout stage.

After losing three consecutive games against Arsenal, Brighton and Hove Albion and Bayern Munich, Man Utd managed to win back-to-back games and it was thought they were starting to find the momentum and would kick on from there.

But, having lost to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray in the last two games, they have now found themselves at the lowest point. Questions have already started to arise about Ten Hag and whether he can help United achieve their lofty ambitions.

However, it has been suggested that the club’s hierarchy are completely backing Ten Hag at the moment and they feel United’s injury issues have been the main problem behind their downfall this season. So, they think the Dutch boss will be able to turn United’s fortune around in the coming times.

But, if United continue to lose games then pressure will be mounting on them to make a decision. So, the Red Devils will be desperate to win the game this weekend and ease the pressure a bit ahead of the international break.

Brentford watch

After enjoying a promising campaign last term, finishing ninth in the league, Brentford have endured a tough start to this season as they have only won one game so far this term.

They have currently found themselves 14th in the table with seven points from as many games, sitting only three points above the relegation spot. So, the Bees will be keen on taking a positive result from this encounter by taking advantage of United’s current woeful form.

Previous meetings

United have won three out of four games against Thomas Frank’s side in the Premier League in recent times. But, they endured a 4-0 rinsing versus the Bees at the start of last term. So, it is clear that Brentford have enough resources to come away victorious from this fixture.

How to watch

The match will commence at 3 pm UK time so the game will not be televised live in the UK due to the no-broadcasting rules. That means attending the game in person is the only way to watch all the action live. Tickets via the club websites sold out weeks ago but you can still buy Man Utd vs Brentford tickets at seatsnet.com.

Team news

United have been struggling with several injury issues at the moment as Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to remain sidelined with their injury issues.

Sergio Reguilon hasn’t played in recent games after sustaining a hamstring issue against Burnley but there is a possibility that he could be available for this encounter.

Lisandro Martinez is also set to be unavailable for this fixture as he has been ruled out for an extended period after undergoing surgery on his foot. The Argentinian sustained a metatarsal injury during the business end of last season and as a consequence of that, he had to undergo surgery. So, his debut campaign at Old Trafford ended prematurely.

He returned ahead of the pre-season and played in the first few games. But, he felt pain in the same area again versus Arsenal, despite that he played subsequent games for United by taking painkillers. However, a scan report suggested that his injury didn’t heal completely so he had to go under the knife for the second time.

The South American’s surgery reportedly went successfully and he is now set to go through rehabilitation before returning to action.

Along With them, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo are also unavailable owing to injury issues, but the good news is that Mainoo is edging closer towards full fitness.

Casemiro pickup red card against Galatasaray in the Champions League game in midweek, but he is eligible to play in domestic fixtures. So, he is available for selection in this encounter.

Jadon Sancho remains sidelined after falling out with Ten Hag and it has been suggested that he has played his last game for United and will be sold in January.

As for Brentford, they have also been stung with injury problems at the moment as Shandon Baptiste, Joshua Da Silva, Rico Henry, Ben Mee, Kevin Schade and Mikel Damsgaard are also expected to remain sidelined owing to their respective injuries.

The Bees talisman Ivan Toney is also not in contention to feature this weekend as he has been suspended for eight months after being found guilty of breaching the betting rules and his suspension will be over in January next year.

Predicted line-up

Ten Hag has made formation changes a few times this season, but he is likely to go with the 4-2-3-1 formation in this encounter.

Andre Onana could continue between the sticks, while Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat could be the back four.

Casemiro and Mason Mount may commence in the midfield pivot position, while Bruno Fernandes should start in the number ten role. Marcus Rashford and Antony could be the two wingers and Rasmus Hojlund is likely to be leading the line for United this weekend.

Expected Man Utd line-up vs Brentford

Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mount; Rashford, Bruno, Antony; Hojlund

As for Brentford, Frank has been using the 4-3-3 formation this term, but against top six sides the Dane has deployed the 3-5-2 formation and it is likely that the Bees’ boss will do that once again on Saturday.

Mark Flekken should be in Brentford’s goal and in front of the Dutchman, Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock are likely to be the three centre-backs. Mads Roerslev and Aaron Hickey could be the two wing-backs for Brentford.

Vitaly Janelt, Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen are expected to be the midfield trio, while Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa should be the strikers for the visitors.

Expected Brentford line-up vs Man Utd

Flekken; Roerslev, Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Hickey; Janelt, Norgaard, Jansen; Mbeumo, Wissa

Prediction

This is a must-win game for United, but considering their current woeful form, they might struggle to come away with all three points so, they might have to settle for a draw in this fixture. Man Utd 1-1 Brentford