Manchester United host Brentford with three games to go. A win would send them within two points of fourth but admittedly with three games more than both Arsenal and Spurs who play today. I think, with the last game at Old Trafford this season, the team has to go and show some pride and effort. Something that has been lacking under Rangnick and they need to show the Old Trafford crowd that the fans mean something to the team. After a good result against Chelsea, the team may have a bit more confidence to get a win. However, it won’t be an easy game as Brentford are unbeaten in four and have played Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham in that time. They won’t be pushovers and will have plenty to offer in attack. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Brentford Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Brentford
Date: Monday 2nd May 2022
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Ralf Rangnick and Thomas Frank
Referee: Chris Kavanagh

Team News:

Manchester United

Manchester United should welcome back Fred with open arms. Fred has easily been Manchester United’s best player under Rangnick and not just a watercarrier for the team but often provided match winning goals and MOTM performances. Cavani, Wan-Bissaka and Lingard should all return for Monday’s match. However, Cavani only returned to training on Friday, leaving him likely to feature from the bench if at all. Jadon Sancho is still ill with tonsilitis so is not available for United. Pogba, Maguire and Shaw will all be out for the season it would seem.

Brentford

Brentford are without four first team players. Defender, Ethan Pinnock was hoping to be back for the trip to Old Trafford but is not ready to feature yet for Frank’s side. Sam Ghoddos and Sergi Canos will also be unavailable, as will midfielder, Frank Onyeka.

Interesting Facts:

• If Manchester United concede three more goals this season, they will have the club’s worst defensive record in Premier League history.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is just three goals away from scoring 20 league goals for the 13th consecutive season. He has scored 8 of Manchester United’s last nine goals (Fred was the other scorer).
• Manchester United have only lost one Premier League home game in 2022.
• Under Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United are yet to win from a losing position. They have drawn four times from losing positions, all 1-1.
• Brentford have only one positive result away to the Top Six – a 4-1 win against Chelsea. They have lost every other away game to the current Top Six.

Predicted XI:

I doubt there will be many changes but I hope there are. I don’t expect De Gea to be swapped out for this one. At the back, Dalot was totally unimpressive again and Telles was genuinely awful. I would prefer to see either Dalot play left back or even play the youngster, Fernandez. I would hope Wan-Bissaka starts because I cannot see why he is not playing. Varane and Lindelof did quite well against Chelsea so I expect they will start. In midfield, I would expect Matic to partner Fred as McTominay was underwhelming against Chelsea in the second half. Fernandes will play despite poor form. I can see Rashford missing out for Mata but I would hope not. Elanga will play and so will Ronaldo.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Dalot; Matic, Fred; Rashford, Fernandes, Elanga; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I would love to see a controlled and dominant performance but I just can’t expect it. I think United will come out on top, simply because of the number of goals they can and should score. It won’t be pretty, it won’t be comfortable but I do think United will win the game.

United to win 3-2