Match Preview: Manchester United vs Brentford

Manchester United’s final home fixture of the season will see the Reds host Brentford.

For some United fans, the end of the season cannot come soon enough with the club limping to the finishing line. Three points from the last three games means Champions league football is but a pipe dream, the players must now play for some personal pride.

Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK Time
Channel: Sky Sports

How do Manchester United look?

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United could be without Jadon Sancho for the remainder of the season. The winger has been suffering from tonsilitis and may require surgery to have them removed. The surgery will likely see him miss United’s remaining fixtures should it follow through. Ralf Rangnick remains hopeful that Sancho can recover quickly he could still feature.

“As it seems, Jadon [Sancho] might be out for the rest of the season with his tonsillitis, so he will most likely be unavailable against Brentford,” Rangnick said.

“The last game is another three weeks [away] against Crystal Palace, but for the next two games, I think it is unlikely [that he will play].

“Hopefully, they can get hold of that inflammation and if his tonsils have to be removed, that can happen at the end of the season.”

Rangnick was however hopeful that Fred could boost his squad with a return from injury. Should the Brazilian not be fully fit for the Brentford tie he could return vs Brighton. Edinson Cavani Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw remain on the sidelines

Opposition: Brentford

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Brentford have taken kindly to the Premier League, tipped by many for the drop, they’ve managed to all but confirm their safety. One of the big reasons for their current form has been the signing of Christian Eriksen. The Dane has contributed to three goals in seven games since his return to the league. The former Inter Milan man has been linked with a move to Old Trafford so he’s one to watch for a variety of reasons.

The reverse tie told us everything we need to know about Thomas Frank’s Bees side. In truth, Brentford dominated for large periods but United were clinical. United put three passed them and conceded one in a result that flattered the Reds. The fixture will be Brentford’s first league visit to Old Trafford since 1946 so they will be hoping to make history.

Key Stats

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Brentford are without a win against United since February 1938 and have failed to win in any of the six fixtures following their 2-0 FA Cup victory.

No team is on a longer run without an away clean sheet than Brentford. The Bees have failed to keep the ball out of their own net for 14 away games.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved in 24 goals in his last 18 games against newly-promoted sides in the Premier League.

Prediction

United don’t seem to be capable of doing the basics at the moment. On Monday night they face a side that do the fundamentals so well. They’re able to manoeuvre as a team, closing gaps and staying compact. Brentford’s speed in the transition is something United have shown they find difficult to deal with. Frank’s Bees only have a single loss in their last six so come into the tie confident. For that reason, we’ll see a draw.

Manchester United 1-1 Brentford