Manchester United look to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face Brentford at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils come into the game on the back of a hugely disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle last weekend. The loss means United haven’t won any of their last three top-flight matches, failing to score in the process.
The slump in form has raised doubts about a top-four finish that had looked all but nailed on for much of Erik ten Hag’s first season. It won’t be easy for the hosts however, against a Bees side who dismantled them earlier this season.
Brentford’s 4-0 win back in August marks arguably the lowest point in United’s Premier League history, leaving them bottom of the table. And after another poor run of form, Ten Hag has warned that unless players match certain standards, they will be left out of his side.
"Of course you have to match certain standards,” Ten Hag said. “You have to match certain standards and I know in a season you don't only go up one way, you will have fluctuations.
“But you have to know why you are where you are and what brings us into that position. Sunday was about determination, passion and desire - and I missed that.
“When they can’t get it, then they're in the wrong place. When you have a strong opponent who play above their level - and many teams do against Manchester United - then you get killed. And we did on Sunday.”
The back five is likely to be untouched, despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to fitness to rival Diogo Dalot. Lisandro Martinez was furious at being replaced during the second half at St James’ Park, but will straight back into the starting XI.
It was that defeat against the Bees and Ivan Toney’s dominance over him that led to questions over Martinez’s suitability for English football. He’s proved those detractors wrong since, but getting one over on Toney would be extra sweet for the Mexican defender.
In midfield, Ten Hag has a big decision to make as he continues to feel the absence of Casemiro. The Brazilian will sit out as his four-match suspension continues. It was Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer against Newcastle, a decision United legend Rio Ferdinand disagreed with.
“I was shocked that Fred didn’t play. Understanding what’s needed and what’s required for this game, Fred has the energy, the legs, the tenacity,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with FIVE.
“You can criticise Fred for anything but energy, sacrifice and applying himself has never been something you can throw at him as a negative. They are the things that come with Fred as part of his game.
“So I was really surprised when he didn’t start the game. But I feel as a whole team no one took the bull by the horns. They weren’t up for it.”
Fred came on for McTominay against the Magpies and could do so again in midweek, with Bruno Fernandes once again deployed as the No.10 in front of them.
Marcus Rashford and Antony are both expected to start on the flanks amid reports that Ten Hag is growing impatient with the ineffective Jadon Sancho. Patience could also be wearing thin with Wout Weghorst, who continues to find goals hard to come by.
Anthony Martial got 30 minutes on Tyneside after replacing the Dutchman and is now in line to start. That’s the plan Ten Hag had from the start of the season, with Martial’s injury woes preventing it from playing out.
Man Utd XI vs Brentford (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.
