Following a disappointing start to the season last weekend, Manchester United look to get their first victory of the new campaign as they travel to Brentford for a Saturday evening clash with Thomas Frank’s side.
United fell to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion in Gameweek 1 of the new Premier League season, with a Pascal Groß first-half double seeing Graham Potter’s side pick up an unlikely win at Old Trafford – their first win at the historic stadium.
Brentford, however, will be buoyant ahead of The Red Devils’ arrival in the English capital – they battled from 2-0 down to draw with Leicester City in their first outing of the new term, with goals from Ivan Toney and Josh Dasilva earning The Bees a solid point.
Manchester United won both of the meetings between the two sides last year – a 3-1 victory away from home and a strong 3-0 win in front of the Old Trafford faithful, as goals from Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane gave United a big three points as they battled for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Mikkel Damsgaard could make his debut for the club; he recently joined Brentford from Sampdoria after impressing at the last European Championship. While the Dane is training with the club, he has yet to receive international clearance so may be a doubt for the fixture.
Hamstring injuries ruled out Sergi Canos and Kristoffer Ajer last weekend, while Ethan Pinnock was out with a knee problem – it is unknown whether the trio will be fit to return to the match-day squad with United’s visit looming.
It may be a first start of the season for Cristiano Ronaldo, as the wantaway striker made a cameo from the bench last weekend against Brighton – the 37-year-old forward has stepped up training after missing the entirety of United’s pre-season tour.
The injured Anthony Martial may be edging closer to full fitness after an impressive pre-season display.
Victor Lindelof was unable to make the match-day squad against The Seagulls last week, while fellow centre-back Varane made the bench but is currently operating on an individual training plan rather than training with the rest of the squad.
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Likely line-up
Raya; Hickey, Jansson, Mee, Henry; Janelt, Norgaard, Dasilva; Mbuemo, Toney, Wissa
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, L Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford
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Key Players
Many people questioned whether Toney would be able to make the step up to Premier League football after an impressive campaign in Brentford’s promotion campaign, but his technical quality and intelligent off-ball movement has seen the former Newcastle United striker become an integral part of The Bees’ squad.
His 17 goal involvements last term were key in Brentford’s survival and keeping hold of the forward as the transfer window draws to a close would be a huge boost to keeping them in the Premier League for a third term.
Most of United’s major chances last weekend came when new signing, Christian Eriksen was on the ball – especially in the second half when he dropped from a false-nine position to a more typical pivot role in midfield.
His chance creation will be crucial if United are to emerge from the Gtech Community Stadium with all three points. He returned to form last season as a member of the Brentford squad that stayed in the top division after a January transfer, and joined Erik ten Hag’s men this summer in a free transfer.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will be played at the Gtech Community Stadium, London - Brentford’s three-year-old arena. It will be the first game of the new campaign played at the Gtech Community Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 17.30 BST.
How can I watch?
The match will be broadcasted on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning on Sky Sports Main Event at 17.00.