Much has been made of the Red Devils’ struggles during Ralf Rangnick’s brief tenure in charge, but both teams will be looking to make a change when Brentford host Manchester United at the Brentford Community Stadium on Wednesday.
Man United (7th, 32 points) face an uphill battle to qualify for a Champions League place, five points behind a qualifying position with several teams vying for a place. Rangnick’s arrival has not produced the renaissance that United fans hoped for, with new challenges in terms of star players and team talent.
In particular, rumors have surfaced with increasing frequency about attacking talisman Bruno Fernandes, who last scored twice against Aston Villa before the team capitulated to a draw. After Fernandes played out of position in Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2, Rangnick admitted he might switch to a 4-3-3 more often.
MORE: Premier League standings and table races
Brentford (14th, 23 points) are also stumbling of late, with four defeats in their last five games causing them to drop down the table, now 10 points above the relegation zone. It doesn’t look like Thomas Frank’s position in charge is in too much jeopardy, but any additional difficulty could see the Bees really being sucked into the relegation battle. A result against a vulnerable Manchester United could provide a resurgence of form and a boost in confidence.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs in any competition since 1975, and only the second since 1947.
Sporting News will follow the match live and provide score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
Brentford vs Man United live score
| 1 hour | 2H | Final | |
| Brentford | — | — | — |
| united man | — | — | — |
Goals:
None
(All times Eastern)
14:07: The lineups are ready. Manchester United remain 4-3-3 from the Aston Villa match, with Luke Shaw only able to make the bench after returning from suspension and Victor Lindelof still preferring Harry Maguire despite the defensive collapse last time out. Rangnick announced a training injury to Edinson Cavani, who misses out entirely.
For Brentford, Thomas Frank makes a big decision, with new loanee Jonas Lossl starting in goal, replacing regular starter Álvaro Fernández. Shane Baptiste is leaving the starting midfield as speculated, and Mathias Jensen is the man to take his place.
Rangnick: “Edinson had to leave after training yesterday due to muscle problems. I’m happy to have Cristiano back in the team.”#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) January 19, 2022
Jonas Lossl makes his PL debut for Brentford against Manchester United tonight as he replaces Fernandez in goal.
Ajer, Henry and Baptiste have also fallen to the bench while Bech, Canos and Jensen enter the starting eleven.#BrentfordFC #BREMUN
— Jay Harris (@jaydmharris) January 19, 2022
1:30 p.m.: It’s been a LONG time since these two teams met…
Trip to Brentford vs Manchester United! This is the first meeting between the two sides in any competition since 1975, and the first in the league since 1947. I’ll be previewing the game along with @kellysomers Y @MiguelDelaney at Headline Makers starting at 5pm 🙌🏽 #BREMUN
— Vaishali Bhardwaj (@VaiBhardwaj) January 19, 2022
13:26: Manchester United has arrived in the capital. Brentford is ready to host the Red Devils.
13:00: Brentford boss Thomas Frank hoping to create “another magical moment” “under the spotlight” against a “decent team” 🙃
13:00: A good breakdown of why Manchester United have switched from Rangnick’s preferred 4-2-2-2 to 4-3-3. It all comes down to one player: Bruno Fernandes.
Brentford vs Man United line-ups
Brentford are still without the injured quartet of julian jeanvier, David Raya |, charlie goode, Y jose da silva, with all four still a long way from returning from long-term injuries. Frank Onyeka he is also at AFCON 2022 with Nigeria. Zanka he is still working his way back from his thigh injury and will be questionable to participate; if he does, it will almost certainly be from the bench.
rich henry He returned from injury against Liverpool but was pulled just after halftime, so it remains to be seen if he is rested to handle the load. shandon bautista‘s place in midfield has been shaky of late, and Sergio Canos, matias jensen, or Yoane Wissa everyone could have the opportunity to see the time.
Brentford starting lineup (3-5-2): Lossl (GK) – Sorensen, Jansson, Pinnock – Rasmussen, Janelt, Norgard, Jensen, Canos – Toney, Mbeumo.
Substitutes for Brentford (9): Fernandez (GK), Henry, Forss, Wissa, Ghoddos, Ajer, Baptiste, Bidstrup, Stevens.
Paul Pogba he’s edging closer to a comeback for the Red Devils, a much-needed boost in midfield, but he just returned to training and won’t be available just yet. eric bailly he remains out due to his AFCON involvement, but those are the only two guaranteed absences for United.
MORE: Man United winter transfer news roundup
Question marks surround the availability of three stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo the one with the most chances of playing after missing out against Aston Villa due to a hip problem. Aaron Wan Bissaka have an illness not related to COVID, while Marco Rashford could come back from his dead leg. luke shaw Y Scott McTominay Both are expected to return to the lineup after missing the last game due to yellow card suspensions.
harry maguire could see a return to the lineup after being benched last time, with center back Victor Lindeloff he failed to impress when United coughed up their two-goal lead at Villa Park.
Man United starting line-up (4-3-3): De Gea (GK) – Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Telles – Fred, McTominay, Fernandes – Elanga, Ronaldo, Greenwood.
Substitutes for Man United (9): Heaton, Henderson, Jones, Maguire, Mata, Matic, van de Beek, Martial, Rashford.
How to watch Brentford vs. Man United
- Date: Wednesday, January 19
- Hour: 3 p.m. ET
- Television channel: – None –
- Transmission: Peacock (subscription required)
The match Brentford vs. Manchester United is available exclusively on the NBC Peacock streaming platform.
Brentford-Man United Betting Lines, Picks and Predictions
To choose: Over 2.5 goals (-115)
Prediction: Brentford-Manchester United 1-2
- money line: Brentford +370 / Draw +290 / Man United -135
- spread: Manchester United -0.5 (-135) / Brentford +0.5 (+115)
- O/U 3.5 total goals: More than -115 / Less than -105
- Both teams to score: Yes -125 / No +100
www.sportingnews.com
Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.