Antony and Harry Maguire will start for Manchester United against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
Manchester United will be desperate to return to winning ways when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has many pressing injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle injury), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Sergio Reguilon (hamstring), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), and Amad Diallo (knee) remain on the sidelines due to their respective issues.
In addition, Jadon Sancho is no closer to returning due to his differences with Erik ten Hag. Meanwhile, the Manchester United boss only briefly touched upon the team news during his pre-match press conference. Responding to a question on Reguilon’s availability, he said, “Not for tomorrow.”
But ten Hag suggested that Antony should be ready to feature in the starting lineup against Brentford. The Brazilian international will thus take his spot on the right flank, with Rasmus Hojlund spearheading the attack and Marcus Rashford owning the left-wing berth. Meanwhile, Rashford was one of the topics of discussion during the manager’s presser.
Manchester United vs Brentford Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Responding to a question on Rashford’s poor output this season, he said, “That is, of course, the team and him. It is both, so I am sure that you are always not at the same levels. Of course, everyone knows the qualities of him, but also the opposition knows the qualities [of him].”
“But if Rashy is doing the things right and the team is doing the things right, we will put him in the right places and then it is up to him. We have seen in the last [few] weeks that he is coming in the good positions, now he is struggling, but this will pass because everyone knows his qualities.”
“Everyone at Man United supports him and the whole team is supportive to him, believes in him. So I am sure, with that confidence and belief, that the team is behind him. This will change and it will pass. That [one goal changing a striker’s form] is always so. Strikers, when they don’t score for a moment, they need that one goal, then they step over [it].”
Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, with Antony’s return pushing Mason Mount to the double pivot. The English international will join Casemiro in the middle of the park, with Hannibal Mejbri dropping to the bench.
As for the defensive unit, Harry Maguire is in line for a rare start amid Victor Lindelof’s poor run. The former captain will join Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence, with Diogo Dalot and Sofyan Amrabat continuing as the full-back pairing. Finally, the under-fire Andre Onana will retain his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
