Manchester United look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they host a challenging Brentford side at Old Trafford on 5 April. Last Word on Sports tries to put together a Manchester United Predicted Lineup, with the Red Devils aiming to end a three-match winless run in the league against the side who thrashed them 4-0 in August.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Brentford
NEXT!
🆚 Brentford
🏟️ Old Trafford
⏰ 03:00 (awal pagi esok)Misi kita 3 mata!
#MUFC pic.twitter.com/3GnG2LFVM8
— Manchester United (@ManUtd_MY) April 5, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently
The Red Devils have experienced a sharp fall in their performance levels since winning the Carabao Cup final in February. Erik ten Hag hasn’t been helped with injury or suspension issues in the squad after that and tried to play his best available players since.
The gaffer seems adamant about the ideal back-five for his side involving David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw – who recently penned a new contract. Bruno Fernandes is the most-used United player under the Dutchman and Marcus Rashford is in unstoppable form. Scott McTominay is the best possible replacement for the suspended Casemiro, while Fred is the ideal partner for the Scotsman too.
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Antony’s performances are seemingly getting better, but Ten Hag’s January signing Wout Weghorst is failing to impress – which could see him benched by Anthony Martial in this game.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
United have not been able to win any of their last three Premier League matches and also suffered a damning loss in their previous encounter against Newcastle United at the weekend. They’ve won three of their last five games across all competitions, but their last league game was against Leicester City on 19 February.
Erik ten Hag is persisting with his 4-3-3 system at United despite Casemiro’s absence, with Bruno Fernandes seemingly dropping into a deeper role instead. However, with the next game being at home, he’s likely to slot Fernandes back into a natural no.10 role – giving him the freedom to dictate the tempo of the game and deliver smart passes into the final third.
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He’ll aim to ensure that his side are able to control games better than they’ve in recent matches. Moreover, he’ll aim for the ball progression from defence to attack to be much smoother, while also preparing his players to be more ruthless with their counter-attacking opportunities and finish chances better.
Manchester United Key Players
Rashford is still United’s biggest goal-scoring threat this season, having scored 27 goals. His surging runs through the wings, dribbling ability and incisiveness make him a major threat – while Marcus has greatly improved his finishing too. He should, however, find some more support in the final third with Martial’s presence.
The French forward, who was hailed as an ‘unbelievable, massive player’ by Rashford last year, can brilliantly hold up the ball and his link-up play has gotten better. Moreover, Martial is prolific in front of goals, not being wasteful like Weghorst and finishing away chances well. Antony will look to cause chaos with his incisive runs but also need to be better with his delivery.
Fernandes will be the creative hub for United in this one and be asked to create most of the chances with his innovative passes. Dalot and Shaw should also be more attack-minded, making overlapping runs to deliver quality crosses into the final third.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Christian Eriksen suffered a bad injury in January and was initially projected to be out until May. He’s recovering quicker than expected but still isn’t match-fit to play in this one. Casemiro is still serving his suspension after being sent off against Southampton. Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek are the other absentees.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial
