Ralf Rangnick has revealed that Jadon Sancho is missing from Manchester United 's squad to face Brentford due to personal reasons, whilst Edinson Cavani is injured.
The Red Devils travel to Brentford for the first time since 1947 but are without Sancho and Cavani.
Rangnick, who has meanwhile been able to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back into the starting XI, told MUTV: "Edinson had to drop out after training yesterday because he had some muscular problems.
"For me it was logical, and happy to have Cristiano back in the team.
"There was the funeral today, he asked me if he could [not play against Brentford]. It would not make sense for him to be part of the squad."
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are also back on the bench, having both missed the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
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Sancho has struggled for game-time under Rangnick, but the interim United manager has shed light on a positive chat between the pair.
"Whenever I see him train, he’s showing that he’s one of the best players in the training sessions," explained Rangnick.
"But now it's about transferring that to when he’s playing, and showing the same kind of level and performance on the pitch.
"I said that to him, by the way, the day before yesterday. 'Confirm the performances you show in training when you're playing on the pitch'.
The acclaimed German coach continued: "For me it's not at all a question of his position. It's clear that in a 4-3-3 he's a player for either of the two wing positions, either left or right. He can play both.
"I think he would prefer a little bit the left side, because he can then switch inside and have a go on goal or shoot on goal with his strong foot. But for me, there’s no question, no doubt about his position. He's a winger.
"He's somebody who can dribble fast with ball, and for me it’s not at all a question of which is the best possible position for him."
The Red Devils are bidding to record their first Premier League win of 2022 but Rangnick knows beating the newly-promoted Bees will be no easy task.
"With a smaller club like Brentford, the influence of the board and especially a coach like Thomas Frank is high," the United boss stated pre-match.
"You can see exactly what he wants them to play. Very structured, 3-5-2 formation. They're not easy to play against at all, especially at home."
