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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

'Expect a masterclass' — Manchester United fans excited as Cristiano Ronaldo returns v Brentford


Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's Premier League showdown with Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium this evening.

United, who last faced the Bees in a league fixture all the way back in 1947, will be looking to register their first Premier League win of 2022 following Saturday's disappointing 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

Despite leading 2-0 against Steven Gerrard's side, United squandered the lead late on, so are under huge pressure to secure three points this evening.

Rangnick, who has lost just once since taking charge, has made two changes to the side that was punished by Villa, with Cristiano Ronaldo returning from injury.

Scott McTominay has also come into the side this evening following suspension, meaning Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani have dropped out.

Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are among the substitutes, as Jadon Sancho, Edinson Cavani and Luke Shaw all miss out completely.

Having made two changes to his starting line-up, Rangnick will be hoping that those alterations will serve his side well this evening, as they go in search of their first away win since December 11.

It is Ronaldo's return to the side that has attracted the most attention from United's supporters in the immediate aftermath of the team news being confirmed.

Below, MEN Sport has taken a close look at what some of United's supporters have had to say in response to Ronaldo returning to the side following a two-match injury lay-off.

As you can see from messages displayed in the tweets above, Ronaldo's return to the side has been welcomed by United's supporters, with them hopeful that he will be able to inspire a much-needed win.

United starting line-up: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles; McTominay, Fred, Fernandes; Greenwood, Ronaldo, Elanga.

Substitutes: Henderson, Heaton, Jones, Maguire, Matic, Van de beek, Mata, Martial Rashford.

This evening's contest kicks-off at 8:00pm and you can follow all of the action live on our matchday blog, which you can access by clicking here.

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