The worldwide break could not have come at a worse time for Manchester United, with the Purple Devils more likely to have been eager to construct on the momentum following the gorgeous, last-gasp win at dwelling to Liverpool within the FA Cup.
Two weeks have handed since that 4-3 triumph – a interval that Erik ten Hag is more likely to have loved with the stress considerably lifted from his shoulders – with it but to be seen if the Outdated Trafford aspect can kick on away to Brentford later at the moment.
Ten Hag and his males will really feel like they’re returning to the scene of the crime in a way in what’s their first go to to the Gtech Neighborhood Stadium for the reason that dismal 4-0 thrashing in August 2022, a day through which Cristiano Ronaldo and co merely wilted in fluorescent inexperienced.
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Man Utd’s beginning XI vs Brentford – August 2022 |
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GK – David De Gea |
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RB – Diogo Dalot |
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CB – Harry Maguire |
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CB – Lisandro Martinez |
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LB – Luke Shaw |
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CDM – Christian Eriksen |
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CM – Fred |
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CM – Bruno Fernandes |
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RW – Jadon Sancho |
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ST – Cristiano Ronaldo |
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LW – Marcus Rashford |
A far completely different lineup is about to take to the sphere this time round, nevertheless, as United search to shut the hole on these above them, albeit with a handful of choice selections there for Ten Hag to ponder…
Man Utd crew information
In a season that has been a narrative of 1 harm blow after one other, Ten Hag offered a way of optimism throughout Friday’s pre-match press convention, having revealed that Lisandro Martinez could possibly be in line to make a welcome return to the matchday squad following an eight-week absence.
After additionally revealing that Luke Shaw might function once more earlier than the season is out, the Dutchman supplied additional purpose for positivity after revealing that Casemiro may be in competition for the journey to west London, after making his return to coaching over the previous week or so.
With FA Cup hero Ama Diallo dominated out by way of suspension – and Harry Maguire additionally a doubt after sustaining an harm on worldwide obligation – the one actual recent and notable concern for United is the information that teen sensation Kobbie Mainoo has been struck down by sickness this week.
Ten Hag was, nevertheless, hopeful that the 18-year-old – who starred on his first England begin towards Belgium within the week – would nonetheless be concerned this night, making certain there could possibly be minimal modifications from the aspect that triumphed over Jurgen Klopp and co.
That being stated, one potential tweak might see Mason Mount thrust again into the motion alongside Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, with that personnel change coming on the expense of a sure Scott McTominay.
Why Mason Mount ought to begin over McTominay
On the face of it, which will seem to be a daring name to make contemplating McTominay’s current type, with the towering midfielder having netted the opener towards the Merseyside outfit final day trip, whereas additionally offering the help for Marcus Rashford’s extra-time equaliser.
The Scotland star was additionally the notable hero towards the Bees earlier within the marketing campaign, the 27-year-old coming off the bench to web a medical and essential brace in stoppage time to ship the Theatre of Desires right into a frenzy.
That lethal double got here amid what has been a effective goalscoring season for the academy graduate in 2023/24, boasting career-best figures of 9 targets in all competitions – a tally solely bettered by Rasmus Hojlund.
Regardless of that 10/10 cameo towards Thomas Frank’s males – as dished out by GOAL’s Richard Martin on the time – there could also be knowledge in trialling Mount in that midfield three, with the Englishman making his long-awaited return off the bench towards Liverpool.
Absent previous to that since Remembrance Day, the forgotten summer time signing wants a run of video games to try to get again match and firing, hoping to return to the degrees that noticed him attain double figures for targets and assists within the league 2021/22, throughout his stint at Chelsea.
For all McTominay’s deserves, he’s not the kind of expertise who can assist United management video games, as a substitute capitalising on chaos, showcased by the truth that he ranks in simply the underside 47% amongst his European friends for go completion, in addition to the underside 10% for progressive passes and the underside 5% for tried passes per 90.
In contrast to the box-crashing brute, Mount, at his greatest, can supply a larger managed and artistic presence both as a quantity eight or as a ten, having beforehand been described because the “full midfield participant” by Ten Hag again in July.
Unleashing the previous Blues man would enable the membership to start to see some return from their £55m funding, with McTominay ready in reserve to be known as upon if extra dramatic late heroics are required.
For United’s – and Ten Hag’s – sake, hopefully it’s a smoother experience at the moment than current conferences with the Bees…
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Erik ten Hag will look to construct on the spectacular victory over Liverpool.
