Although victory on Monday wouldn’t confirm a Champions League spot for Manchester United, the three points it would secure would supply near certainty of such, barring a catastrophic capitulation in the final four fixtures.
Michael Carrick’s men occupy third place courtesy of their 58 points accumulated, with sixth-placed Brighton sitting eight points behind, having played one game more (34).
This latest meeting with Brentford is the first of two consecutive Premier League outings at Old Trafford following a memorable road win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Nonetheless, the Bees, unbeaten in six, are not to be taken for granted and possess their own European aspirations under the guidance of a contender for manager of the year in Keith Andrews.
Having drawn their previous five and claimed the bragging rights when the sides met in September, the West Londoners are gunning for a first domestic double against the Reds during the Premier League era.
Manchester United team news for Brentford outing
Having contended with an abundance of defensive absentees through injury and suspension in London, Carrick will be able to call on the services of Harry Maguire once more.
The veteran defender missed the Chelsea fixture through suspension, as did Lisandro Martinez, but is fit and able for Monday’s outing. Licha will serve the second of a three-game ban.
Patrick Dorgu has accelerated his rehabilitation following a prolonged layoff and is not yet ready, but Leny Yoro is questionable and has not yet been ruled out.
“To be honest, everything’s alright, as it was,” Michael stated on Thursday. “Couple of knocks and niggles a little bit, coming out of the game, that you’d expect.
“Patrick [Dorgu] working his way to being back – he’s certainly making good progress and back closer to training with us, which is positive, so that’s good news.
“We’re still working on [Leny]. So, there’s a possibility, there’s a possibility, but at this stage, it’s not 100 per cent sure.”
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a prolonged back issue that has kept him out since late November. Still, the Dutchman is working tirelessly under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
Images supplied from the ground at Carrington show November’s player of the month undertaking intense fitness segments, doing his all to return before the end of the season.
Carrick was unable to provide any further information about his progress or an expected date when we may see the 26-year-old in action again.
On a brighter note, Shea Lacey, Sonny Aljofree and Jack Moorhouse were part of the training group on Thursday, while Jim Thwaites made his maiden appearance in a senior matchday squad at Stamford Bridge.
While home advantage will count for something when action gets underway at 8 PM GMT, recent history will stand in the visitors’ corner.
Igor Thiago is only three goals (21) behind Erling Haaland (24) in the race for the Golden Boot, and the Brazilian bagged a brace during his side’s 3-1 win in the previous meeting.
That followed a 4-3 defeat at the Gtech four months prior, when Alejandro Garnacho and Amad added some gloss to an otherwise dire day with two late consolation goals.
Regardless, Carrick’s side appears to be built differently than previous compositions at M16. And with the allure of Champions League football tantalisingly close, these players should require no motivation.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno, Cunha; Sesko.
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Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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