Manchester United will hope to ditch the negativity of the opening months of the season when they return to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag has led the Red Devils to their worst start in this iteration of England’s top flight and, with injuries starting to pile up once again, the pressure continues to envelop the Dutchman no matter which direction he turns.
He was given one of his most chastening experiences as United manager early in his reign when they were beaten 4-0 by Brentford, but another home loss after pastings from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur would surely spell the end for Ten Hag.
Here’s the team United are likely to field this weekend for the Bees’ visit.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andre Onana – Whereas last season he seemed to be chucking goals into his own net every other week, Onana has started the campaign well and leads the Golden Glove race.
RB: Victor Lindelof – The Swede made his first Premier League appearance of the season in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and he may be needed to start at Old Trafford with a number of full-backs unavailable.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – Ten Hag split up the De Ligt-Martinez partnership at Villa but the pair need time to gel together and should be reinstated against Brentford, especially with Harry Maguire sidelined.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – The Argentine played only 17 minutes of football for his nation in their World Cup qualifiers and should be relatively fresh this weekend – providing he can shake off any jet lag.
LB: Diogo Dalot – With Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui absent and Tyrell Malacia not yet ready to return, Dalot is United’s only natural and fit full-back. His attacking instincts haven’t been curbed by his deployment on the left of defence over the past year or so.
CM: Christian Eriksen – The Danish playmaker’s contract expires at the end of the season and, while there’s not been much movement on an extension, Eriksen continues to get game time at United with injuries hampering his teammates. Will be up against a load of his former teammates and a handful of compatriots.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The Uruguayan was forced off for Uruguay with a fitness complaint. Ten Hag will hope he’s fit to start against Brentford, especially given Kobbie Mainoo is out for the next few games.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – United’s club captain has admitted he has performed well below expectations so far in 2024/25. A trademark showing here would both boost his confidence and alleviate some of the pressure on his manager’s shoulders.
RW: Alejandro Garnacho – Unlike Martinez, Garnacho didn’t link up with the Argentina squad, dropping out due to a knee injury. He can provide a spark when United look tired and weary, so his inclusion would be a big boost for Ten Hag.
LW: Marcus Rashford – There was no England action for Rashford over the past few weeks, having been left out of Lee Carsley’s squad for clashes with Greece and Finland. With Thomas Tuchel now in charge of the Three Lions, the winger has a new manager to impress.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – Joshua Zirkzee had plenty of chances to stake his claim during Hojlund’s time out through injury but didn’t take them. He’ll get an opportunity from the bench but the Dane should start again.
