Manchester United have to win away to Brentford

After a dismal last 23 minutes at Villa Park, Manchester United travel to Brentford desperate for three points. United have to win and win well. The manner in which they dropped two points at Villa Park is concerning. The positives are that United looked exciting and venomous in attack. However the big concern remains in midfield. It seems clear that United’s most balanced midfield is with McTominay and Fred. However that still has it’s deficiencies. United need a midfielder that can offer something different.

In the meantime, they face Brentford on Wednesday. When I wrote the preview for this match before the postponement, I was concerned about the Brentford team but with many injuries and five defeats in their last seven, there seems a bit of a dip in form. But with that said, this United team can make the worst teams in the league look dangerous and Brentford are far from the worst. This is a difficult match but one United have to win. Here’s all you need to know:

Brentford vs Manchester United Match Info

Teams: Brentford and Manchester United
Date: Wednesday 19th January 2022
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Stadium: Brentford Community Stadium
Managers: Thomas Frank and Ralf Rangnick
Referee: Andre Marriner

Team News

Brentford

Brentford remain without David Raya, Julian Jeanvier, Tariqe Fosu, Zanka, Charlie Goode and Josh Dasilva who all missed the trip to Anfield. Rico Henry came off after 49 minutes and is a doubt but Sergi Canos who was out of the match when it was originally scheduled, made his return against Liverpool. Frank Onyeka is on international duty with Nigeria.

Manchester United

Paul Pogba made his return to first team training and could be back sooner than expected. Ronaldo also trained after missing both matches against Villa and should be available along with Rashford. Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw are available after missing the trip to Villa Park due to suspension. Wan-Bissaka was not part of the squad and nothing has been said of his absence. Harry Maguire and Phil Jones made the bench for the draw with Villa and the captain could start if fit.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have not faced Brentford in a competitive match since 1975 in victory in the League Cup second-round.
• Of course, United did face Brentford in a pre-season friendly this summer. Anthony Elanga and Andreas Pereira scored for the Reds at Old Trafford while Shandon Baptiste and Bryan Mbeumo scored for the away side.
• A win could take United level on points with Arsenal and up to sixth should Spurs drop points against Leicester tomorrow.

Predicted XI:

United should change things up with a tricky game on Saturday. I would love to see Dean Henderson start this game. I think after a bad overall performance from David de Gea, Henderson has to be at least trialled and considered. De Gea had an awful time distributing and gave the ball away cheaply, including for the second Villa goal. It is not his strength, along with claiming, sweeping and commanding his box. All crucial characteristics of the modern day keeper. I think Rangnick needs to be ruthless and try Henderson.

I think, if he’s fit, Wan-Bissaka and Maguire come in for Lindelof and Dalot who were unimpressive, especially the latter. Dalot was defensively vulnerable as ever and was at fault for the second goal and countless Villa chances. In attack he fared no better with an awful cross into the box sealing two points dropped for United. Wan-Bissaka is better defensively, progressively and is equally consistent with his crossing. Just because he puts more crosses in doesn’t make him a good crosser.

McTominay returns for Matic and even resting Fernandes could be on the cards. Sancho can start along with Greenwood who was dangerous and creative while Ronaldo returns to the starting lineup after an underwhelming performance from Cavani.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I just don’t know what to expect anymore. A year ago, I would expect United to concede then score four but now I can’t tell. They could attack how they did against Burnley and Villa but defend how they did against Newcastle and Norwich. It could be a controlled performance or full of sloppy passes and poor creativity. I think Brentford are low at the moment and a fast start could blow them away. Hitting them on the break is the key as they are an attacking team but playing through their press is important and something United need to get right. If they can this will be a comfortbale game.

United to win 0-3