Manchester United in search of redemption

Author: Soorya G

Manchester United, winners of the Carabao Cup, will face the Europa Leagueaspirants in a game of crucial importance for both teams. Manchester United will be keen to move on from their away defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend and focus their energies on securing a top-four finish.

Brentford, meanwhile, return to the field after failing to beat Brighton and Hove Albion, after conceding a penalty in the last minute of regulation time to leave the score level. With Liverpool’s heavy defeat against title challengers Manchester City, Thomas Frank will be aware of his team’s remote chance of making the top four.

While that remains a possibility, as several results would need to follow to help, they will be eyeing a Europa League place, which could be within their grasp.

Manchester United have been extremely busy in recent months as their schedule has not been good, with the Red Devils playing more than twice a week on average for a long period of time.

After winning the Carabao Cup final, United have not been at their best, and it’s understandable after such a hectic schedule.

“We performed very badly because Newcastle United wanted it more than we did. They were sharper. You can see that in the challenges, we won only 16 out of 61 challenges in attack and in defense the opponent beat us 48 out of 78 challenges. So you can’t win a game. We played 60 minutes against Southampton with ten men, we beat Fulham. We beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, so there’s no need to worry” said Ten Hag, commenting on his team’s performance.

Team news

Manchester United have some injury problems ahead of the game against Brentford, with Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho ruled out. Casemiro’s suspension means that the Brazilian won’t be able to play either, creating a hole in United’s midfield. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to be available after going through a period of ill health. On the other hand, Brentford are expected to field a full-strength line-up at Old Trafford.

“Two quality players. In midfield, games will always be decided in midfield, when there are two quality players, of course. But you have a squad, and we’re going to win. Not for tomorrow, but Eriksen is returning to the field. He’s returning to training today, so we’ll now have to see how quickly he can progress“. Dez Hag said.

Expected line-up:

Manchester United: De Gea; Shaw, Varane, Martinez, Dalot; McTominay, Sabitzer; António, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst;

Brentford: Raya; Pinnock, Mee, Roerslev; Henry, Dasilva, Norgaard, Jensen, Hickey; Mbeumo, Toney;

Key players

Bruno Fernandes will be a key figure in United’s performances, as he has been for some time now. The Portuguese star’s ability to find excellent passes, as well as his knack of scoring goals, will be a major threat for Thomas Frank’s side.

Ivan Toney is undoubtedly the most important player from Brentford’s point of view. The striker has had an elite season so far, with 17 Premier League goals in 26 games, second only to Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. His performance will be fundamental to Brentford’s success.

Prediction:

United win

With Ten Hag realizing the seriousness of the situation in the top four, he will want to ensure that his team leaves with no less than three points.