Manchester United are back in action this weekend as Erik ten Hag eyes his first win in charge of the club, having suffered an unexpected defeat against Brighton five days ago.
Graham Potter’s side were deserving winners in the Old Trafford encounter but Ten Hag will be desperate to set the record straight against Brentford.
United’s best spell of the game came in the second half when the experiment of playing Christian Eriksen as a false nine was cut short, with Cristiano Ronaldo drafted in as a substitute.
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The surprising selection decision came after Anthony Martial was ruled out of the game due to injury and now, that could mean that Ronaldo is in line for his first start of the season.
There is no clarity on Martial’s fitness yet and the experiment with Eriksen failed miserably – something the manager can not afford to happen again.
Behind the forward, much of the same is expected. United lack options and Marcus Rashford, despite missing a couple of chances, showed signs of kicking on after a good pre-season. Bruno Fernandes will play, with Jadon Sancho also a near-guarantee in the side.
Scott McTominay survived longer than Fred last weekend but both players were hooked by Ten Hag, indicating that at least one of them could be on the bench. If so, Christian Eriksen or Donny van de Beek are most likely to figure in midfield.
David de Gea will start in goal and at least three defenders are certain to play. Tyrell Malacia made his debut for the club in the dying embers of last Sunday’s defeat but his overheated performance did little to suggest he is in line for a start.
Predicted Manchester United lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo
