Man Utd team news – Expected XI vs Brentford as Ten Hag may cave in

Ten Hag gives update on Rashford ahead of Newcastle v Man Utd

Manchester United face a fight to make the top four after falling to a painful defeat against Newcastle on Sunday. Level on points with the Magpies and Tottenham, the Red Devils will hope to bounce back straight away against Brentford, in a game which may see manager Erik ten Hag cave in to criticism of Wout Weghorst. With the Bees preparing to descend on Old Trafford, Express Sport takes you through how United may line up…

Goalkeeper – De Gea

Although his contract expires at the end of the season and there is little sign of a renewal on the horizon, the Spaniard remains Ten Hag’s undisputed first choice between the sticks.

Shipping two goals against Newcastle last time out won’t have done the former Atletico Madrid star many favours in his quest to stay at Old Trafford, but back-up option Jack Butland poses no realistic threat to his No 1 status.

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Defence – Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has returned to training after missing the Newcastle defeat with illness, although the Brentford game may come too soon for him to replace Diogo Dalot at right-back. 

Tyrell Malacia is a worthy back-up option on the opposite flank but Luke Shaw should be given the chance to continue what has already been a great week on a personal level, having committed his future to the Red Devils until 2027. 

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane remain Ten Hag’s first-choice pairing in central defence, and United looked extremely fragile when both were withdrawn against Newcastle last time out. 

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Midfield – Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes

United have been hit hard in midfield with Christian Eriksen still working his way back to fitness and Casemiro serving the third of a four-match suspension. Scott McTominay could not offer much at St James’ Park, meaning there may be a spot in the starting XI for Fred to return. 

Marcel Sabitzer has been steady, if unspectacular, since signing on loan from Bayern Munich in January, while stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes is still one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet. 

Attack – Antony, Martial, Rashford

The United boss could go down a number of avenues in attack. Wout Weghorst has generally been the preferred option up top since his January arrival, but ex-Red Devils star Louis Saha is among those to criticise the Dutchman’s lack of productivity in recent weeks, and with Anthony Martial now back to fitness, he could be thrown in from the start against Brentford. 

Marcus Rashford is United’s dangerman off the left flank, but another tough decision awaits Ten Hag on the right. Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri are both in contention to start, but Antony may just get the nod thanks to his energy and classy left foot.

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