Manchester United will aim to continue the recent positive momentum when they lock horns with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ruben Amorim has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Noussair Mazraoui is the latest absentee after picking up a knock earlier this week in the UEFA Europa League clash with Athletic Club at San Mames. However, the Moroccan international should not be a long-term absentee, with an appearance in the second leg next week possible.
Mazraoui accompanies Lisandro Martinez (knee), Diogo Dalot (calf), Ayden Heaven (ankle), Toby Collyer (match fitness), and Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring) on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Amorim suggested that several youngsters would get game time this weekend.
The Manchester United manager said, “Maybe some kids will have to play against Brentford. We have some problems in our squad. Some players are in the limit. We will try to manage everything and the best way is to prepare for all these things. We’ll see what we can do at the weekend.”
“Chido cannot play against Athletic but, in the Premier League, yes, of course. They will have to play. We have some problems. We have some players, in this moment who can play one game, but the next one they cannot play. We don’t know what kind of starting XI we need for the second game [this week]. Everything is in my mind but they [the youngsters] will have to play.”
Amorim expanded on his thought process further. The Manchester United boss said, “We don’t know what kind of starting XI we need for the second game [this week]. Everything is in my mind but they [the youngsters] will have to play. But also I know Brentford are a really tough team with a lot of quality. They have a really good bond between every player. You can feel it. We need to be prepared for a tough game against Brentford.”
Amorim will ring in the changes this weekend, although Andre Onana will retain his spot between the sticks. The away side will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of the Cameroonian international, with the central defensive unit featuring Tyler Fredricson, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw.
Jaydan Kamason and Harry Amass will likely complete a youthful backline, with the former making his first appearance for the senior side. As for the midfield unit, Christian Eriksen should line up alongside Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park. Finally, Chido Obi-Martin will lead the line against Brentford, with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount providing creative support.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Fredricson, de Ligt, Shaw; Kamason, Ugarte, Eriksen, Amass; Mainoo, Mount; Obi
