Premier League: Manchester United vs Brentford Preview, Probable lineups, Team news, and Prediction

Manchester United welcomes Brentford to Old Trafford on Monday, hoping to end a three-game losing streak. Manchester United's chances of finishing in the Champions League have all but vanished following a record of just one win in their previous five league games. The Red Devils sit eight points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with just three games remaining in the season, with the Gunners even having a game in hand. Manchester United's season has been marred by mediocrity and inconsistency despite a couple of big-name arrivals last summer. After finishing second in the Premier League last season, they have been unable to repeat their outstanding defensive record this season, with only Newcastle United conceding more goals in the top half of the league than Man United.

The offensive has also been far too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo, resulting in a lack of consistency from a team that just drew 1-1 with Chelsea. Ralf Rangnick's side will face Brentford at home on Monday, with the chance to correct the wrongs and at the very least push for a Europa League finish. If the hosts are to finish ahead of West Ham in the league table, they must win this game, but they will not be helped by a tenacious Brentford side that has been in fantastic form recently. In their last four games, the freshly promoted side has won three times. Thomas Frank's side may not have technically ensured their safety just yet, but a win over Manchester United would go a long way towards helping them climb the league standings and give Leicester City and Newcastle United a run for their money.

Team News & Tactics

Manchester United

Because of his tonsillitis, Manchester United may have to make do without their top player Jadon Sancho. Rangnick is hopeful that Fred will return to action, while Edinson Cavani, Harry Maguire, and Jesse Lingard could all be in contention to play against Brentford if necessary. With Sancho unlikely to play for the remainder of the season, Rangnick may opt to start veteran Juan Mata and young prospect Anthony Elanga, with Marcus Rashford as a backup option.

Bruno Fernandes should continue to play at number 10, providing creative support to his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo up top. Meanwhile, Rangnick may feel obligated to provide some playing time to the team's other young prospects, such as Alejandro Garnacho and Hannibal Mejbri. Fred's return to the midfield is still a significant possibility. The Brazilian's midfield relationship with Scott McTominay might be renewed, with the two seeking to provide calm and control in the center of the pitch.

In defense, Victor Lindelof may once again get the nod over Harry Maguire, combining with Raphael Varane in center defense. Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles are the favorites to start at fullback, but Alvaro Fernandez is an intriguing left-back alternative to Telles.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Mata, Fernandes, Elanga; Ronaldo

Brentford

On Monday's trip to Manchester, Brentford boss Thomas Frank could be missing up to four players. Sergi Canos, Ethan Pinnock, Frank Onyeka, and Saman Ghoddos are among the absentees. At the same time, Frank has verified Kristoffer Ajer and Christian Norgaard's availability. They should both return to the starting lineup, with Ajer reuniting with Pontus Jansson and Mads Sorensen in defense. Meanwhile, Norgaard might play in the middle alongside Vitaly Janelt and Christian Eriksen. The latter, who has already made an impression since joining the club in the January transfer window, will be in charge of providing creative support upfront.

Mads Roerslev could be changed back to his right wing-back position in the second line of the press, with Rico Henry beginning on the opposite flank as usual. Going ahead, the two should provide breadth and the potential for crosses from wide areas. Brentford will have both Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo lurking inside the Manchester United penalty area, so that should be incredibly handy.

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Sorensen; Roerslev, Eriksen, Norgaard, Janelt, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo

Manchester United vs Brentford Prediction

Given Brentford's recent form, it's difficult to picture them failing to trouble a Manchester United defense that has been all over the place. At the same time, Ronaldo has been in excellent form recently, and the opposition will find it incredibly tough to keep him quiet. As a result, we anticipate a thrilling match, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess. Due to their present form, Brentford may emerge as the favorites, but Manchester United should never be underestimated at Old Trafford.

Brentford 2-3 Manchester United