Brentford vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

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·4 Mei 2025

Brentford vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Manchester United travel to Brentford this Sunday looking to end a five-game winless run in the Premier League.

Despite their domestic troubles, the Red Devils are within touching distance of the Europa League final. An efficient display from Ruben Amorim’s side culminated in them taking a three-goal advantage into the second leg of the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.

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With the reverse fixture fast approaching, Amorim has already confirmed he will not take any risks with his team selection this afternoon.

Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt both made their returns in Spain as they came off the bench. The pair may be handed a start this weekend to help them build up some match fitness after a period out injured.

Looking for three #PL points on the road 🛣️💪 #MUFC || #BREMUN
– Minggu, 4 Mei 2025

However, a fatigued Noussair Mazraoui will be rested to protect the Moroccan international ahead of Thursday’s clash. Fellow full-back Diogo Dalot is also unavailable alongside Joshua Zirkzee, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez.

Brentford were also in action on Thursday night as they recorded an impressive 2-0 victory away to Nottingham Forest.

There is a possibility that two forgotten players will reappear following a gruelling spell on the sidelines. Record signing Igor Thiago has only been able to make four appearances since his switch to West London due to multiple injuries while Aaron Hickey hasn’t made an appearance since 2023. Thomas Frank confirmed both players have been involved in training and their conditions will be monitored.

Frank’s midfield options have been depleted as a heel issue has prematurely ended Vitaly Janelt’s campaign. The German midfielder needed surgery to fix the problem and the recovery process is expected to take a number of months.

Brentford vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Form

Brentford: LDDWW

The Bees were the latest team to inflict defeat on Nottingham Forest as an accomplished performance earned them a 2-0 win.

Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa scored at the City Ground to take the west Londoners within two points of the top half.

Brentford are now 10 points away from levelling their highest-ever Premier League points tally from two seasons ago. They’ll have to win all of their remaining matches to surpass that achievement.

"It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. They will put a very competitive team out there" 💬 Thomas Frank previews #BREMUN tomorrow ⤵️
– Sabtu, 3 Mei 2025

There is still a faint hope that Thomas Frank and his players can qualify for European football for the first time in their history. The Danish manager will be hoping his side can iron out their inconsistencies to finish the season strongly.

Manchester United: LWLDW

United cruised to victory during midweek as they stunned Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Spain.

Casemiro broke the deadlock before Bilbao defender Marc Vivian was shown a straight red card for impeding Rasmus Hojlund in the six-yard box.

Bruno Fernandes netted the subsequent penalty before scoring a second before half-time to give the Red Devils a commanding lead.

The full focus remains on the Europa League, with a spot in the final still not guaranteed.

Ruben Amorim and his players haven’t prioritised the Premier League in recent weeks which has been reflected in their results.

They have only triumphed twice in the competition since January, a run that includes five defeats and four draws.

Last Meeting: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford, Premier League, 19th October 2024

Erik ten Hag’s last victory in charge of Manchester United was a 2-1 win over Brentford back in October.

The opening stages of the match were evenly contested with neither side dominating possession.

Mark Flekken almost gifted the hosts the lead midway through the first period after spilling Lisandro Martinez’s header. However, the Danish stopper atoned for his error by pushing the ball away from danger on the goal line.

With half-time fast approaching, Brentford were awarded a corner. Referee Sam Barrott then ordered Matthijs de Ligt to exit the field due to the reopening of a head wound he had sustained earlier on in the match. The Dutchman reluctantly received treatment and the visitors capitalised on the absence of the aerially dominant defender. Ethan Pinnock was left unmarked and powered a header past Andre Onana in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.

It took only two minutes of the restart for United to respond as Alejandro Garnacho equalised with a thumping finish. Marcus Rashford was allowed to deliver a cross deep into the box where the Argentine was perfectly placed to volley home.

Garnacho was hungry for another goal and forced Flekken into diving low to his left-hand side to deny his drilled effort.

Confidence was emanating from the Red Devils and a beautifully intricate team goal put them in front. Bruno Fernandes’ delicate flick found Rasmus Hojlund, who coolly chipped the ball above his fellow countryman.

Ten Hag’s side almost netted a third late on, but Diogo Dalot’s heavy touch allowed Flekken to smother the subsequent shot.

The sense of victory was short-lived for the Dutch manager as he was relieved of his duties just over a week later.

Predicted Lineups

Brentford: Flekken; Kayode, Collins, van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Yarmolyuk; Mbuemo, Damsgaard, Schade, Wissa

Manchester United: Onana, Dorgu, Evans, De Ligt, Shaw, Amass; Eriksen, Mainoo; Mount, Amad, Obi-Martin.

Who is the referee?

Anthony Taylor will be the match official. Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will assist him while Sam Barrott will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Matt Donohue and he will be assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.