Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Brentford

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday evening as they travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.

The Red Devils entered the international break on a high, beating arch-rivals Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford, thereby setting up a semi-final clash with Championship side Coventry City. Before the Liverpool game, they had beaten Everton 2-0 at home in the Premier League to stay sixth in the table.

With 10 games to go a nine-point gap to bridge up to fourth-place Aston Villa in the final Champions League spot, Erik ten Hag’s side will be desperate to get all three points against Brentford, who are on a six-game winless run in the league.

Manchester United Team News

Erik ten Hag expects Lisandro Martinez to return to the Manchester United squad against Brentford after over two months on the sidelines. Harry Maguire returned to the club from England duty with an injury issue and remains doubtful.

Casemiro suffered his latest injury ahead of Man United’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool which forced him to sit out of Brazil’s two international friendlies against England and Spain. Moreover, Ten Hag didn’t reveal much about the availability of recent absentees Casemiro, Jonny Evans and Altay Bayindir.

Elsewhere, Amad Diallo will serve a one-game ban, having been flashed a second yellow card for removing his shirt after scoring the late dramatic winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper

There is no looking Andre Onana in goal at the moment, with the Cameroonian finally showing why Man United paid big bucks for his services last summer. He will need to be proactive and make good decisions during set-pieces.

Defence

With Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire, both rated as 50-50, Victor Lindelof is likely to partner Raphael Varane in central defence with Lisandro Martinez an option on the bench. Martinez’s return to fitness is a big boost for the Red Devils.

At full-back, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should both be available at Ten Hag’s disposal. The Man United boss surprised many by using Wan-Bissaka at left-back and Dalot at right-back against Liverpool in the FA Cup but their roles will be reversed on Saturday.

Midfield

Casemiro missed the FA Cup win over Liverpool with a muscle problem and his availability for the trip to Brentford remains doubtful. In his absence, Scott McTominay is the more likely option to feature alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park. Acting as a No.6, Mainoo will be tasked with progressing the ball and dictating the tempo of the game, with McTominay trying to trouble the hosts’ defence with his late runs in the box.

Bruno Fernandes is a certainty to operate in the hole as he looks to unlock the Brentford defence with his incisive passing and vision. Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat could all step in from the bench.

Attack

Alejandro Garnacho, who was excellent against Liverpool, is expected to start on the right flank while Marcus Rashford hopes to produce a strong display from the opposite wing. The duo’s pace, directness and flair could cause problems for the Brentford defenders.

Rasmus Hojlund should lead the Man United attack, aiming to get his name on the scoresheet in west London. Despite Antony’s heroics against Liverpool, Ten Hag will likely use him from the bench again.