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Home > Blog Post > Maguire, McTominay and Ronaldo Returns – Team News and Predicted Lineup | How Manchester United’s Lineup Would Look Like Against Brentford

Maguire, McTominay and Ronaldo Returns – Team News and Predicted Lineup | How Manchester United’s Lineup Would Look Like Against Brentford

Brentford vs Manchester United

Manchester United play their second straight game on the road against Brentford on Wednesday. The Bees are currently 14th in the Premier League, and have won just once in their last 5 league games while the Red Devils stand 7th, having won 2 and drawn 2 of their last 5 league games.

A win at Community Stadium is crucial for Rangnick’s men and would take them level on points with 5th placed Arsenal. Any other result gives 8th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers the chance to overtake the Red Devils.

Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Image Obtained via The Short Fuse

Following a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, Manchester United will be looking to put in a strong performance against Brentford, to keep their hopes of a top-4 finish alive. Rangnick remains without Paul Pogba, who misses out because of an injury. Eric Bailly’s commitments with the National team means the Ivory Coast international also remains unavailable. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s participation in the game remains doubtful due to an illness.

Here’s how Rangnick could line up his team for the game at the Brentford Community Stadium:

Formation:

Rangnick opted for a 4-3-3 set up against Aston Villa. The formation was particularly laid down to restrict the Villains from building down the centre. However, United players seemed to struggle in an unfamiliar set-up. There was a notable lack of clarity in how the frontline and midfield interpreted their roles. With several key players back in contention, Rangnick could revert to his preferred 4-2-2-2 formation for this game.

David De Gea (GK):

The Spaniard continues to remain an authoritative influence between the posts. De Gea put in another impressive performance against Aston Villa and affected 7 saves. The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper could do very little to prevent the two goals that United did concede. De Gea will be banking on his defence to provide able support if United are to keep Ivan Toney and the other Brentford attackers from scoring.

David De Gea, Brentford vs Manchester United,
Image Obtained Via goal.com

Diogo Dalot (RB):

Dalot seemed short-handed against Aston Villa due to United’s heavy presence on the left. The Portuguese has had a solid campaign so far and will be looking to regain confidence with a strong showing. United are lacking in options for the role, as Wan-Bissaka’s availability remains unclear.

Raphael Varane (CB):

Varane had an impressive first half against Aston Villa. Playing behind a leaky midfield, the Frenchman did well to restrict his marker Emiliano Buendia for most parts of the game. Individual errors in the second half gifted Villa a point in the game and tarnished a good performance for the 28-year-old. But he can expect to retain his spot in the starting XI in a bid to regain rhythm after an injury-hit start to the season.

Harry Maguire (CB):

United’s captain sat out of the last game, having just recovered from an injury. The Englishman is expected to reclaim his spot in the XI, at the expense of Victor Lindelof. Maguire has been solid for most parts of the season but struggled for consistency. His presence in the air and strength would be crucial in keeping Toney and Mbuemo quiet.

Harry Maguire, Brentford vs Manchester United
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Luke Shaw (LB):

Shaw missed the trip to Villa Park due to a suspension. In his absence, Alex Telles failed to make a mark and put in a tepid performance. The Manchester United left-back can expect to be reinstituted into the playing XI against Brentford. The Englishman offers more defensive solidity and also creates more than the Brazilian in attacks.

Scott McTominay (RDM):

Like Shaw, McTominay also missed out on the previous game due to a suspension. The Scot has been in good form under Rangnick and churned out multiple impressive performances. McTominay even scored United’s winning goal against Aston Villa in the FA Cup. With Nemanja Matic struggling to complete 90 minutes against Gerrard’s men, Rangnick will once again turn to McTominay to play the role of a defensive midfielder.

Scott McTominay
Image Obtained Via: Football365

Fred (LDM):

Like McTominay, Fred has also been a standout performer under Rangnick. The Brazilian created Bruno Fernandes’ second goal in the last game too. Fred’s spot in the XI could be at risk if United do sign a new defensive midfielder, but for the moment, the ex-Shakthar Donetsk midfielder picks himself into the playing line-up.

Bruno Fernandes (RAM):

Bruno returned to the starting line-up in the weekend and re-established his importance to the team. Not only did the Portuguese score both of United’s goals, but he also played an important role in bypassing Villa’s press and progressing the ball.

With a change in formation, Fernandes could be deployed in the right half-space. Against Aston Villa, United’s right flank lacked bite and barely threatened Villa’s defence. Placing the team’s creative outlet on the right would also help the team balance.

Anthony Elanga (LAM):

In his first start of the season, Elanga put in a heartful display. The Swedish international was unlucky to not find the back of the net too. Elanga has a lot of competition for a place in the XI, as Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are all possible options. However, the 19-year-old’s strong performance impressed his manager and should be enough to merit him another start.

Aston Villa vs Manchester United, Anthony Elanga
Image Obtained Via: Manchester Evening News

Read More:

Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Tactical Analysis And Game Review | What Went Wrong for the Red Devils?

United Negotiating Contract With €27m Rated Bundesliga Midfielder | Will he be a Good Signing?

Manchester United Show Concrete Interest in £58m Rated Serie A Midfielder

Cristiano Ronaldo (RF):

Ronaldo was completely omitted from the squad against Villa due to a hip injury. The Portuguese forward has been training with the squad, and Rangnick cannot keep Ronaldo out when he is fit. The 36-year-old is United’s top scorer this season and offers quality and presence in the box that United sorely lacked in his absence.

Edinson Cavani (LF):

Cavani struck a forlorn and isolated figure in the previous game. In United’s 4-3-3 set up, the Uruguayan was cut off from the rest of the squad. However, in a 4-2-2-2, Cavani offers more structural balance than other United forwards. Rangnick could also consider Mason Greenwood or Marcus Rashford to partner Ronaldo upfront, However, the English duo does not afford Cavani’s work-rate and defensive contribution which makes a higher press difficult to execute.

How should Manchester United line up against Brentford as per your opinion? Which players would you like to see in the XI? Let us know in the comments section.

Follow AD for the Latest Manchester United Matchday Updates.

Adithya Ravi
Football enthusiast. Stat enthusiast

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