Martinez a Possibility: Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs. Brentford

How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently

Manchester United have generally lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, but injuries have forced manager Erik ten Hag into re-thinking this of late.

André Onana is a guaranteed starter in goal, with Diogo Dalot now one of the first names on the team sheet at right-back. Raphael Varane has started recent games at centre-back, joined by Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof, depending on availability. At left-back, the return of Aaron Wan-Bissaka against Liverpool enabled natural centre-back Lindelof to move back into his favoured position after having deputised for the injured Luke Shaw on the left in recent weeks.

In midfield, newly capped England international Kobbie Mainoo has been partnered by Scott McTominay or Casemiro in the double pivot in recent weeks, with the Brazilian ruled out with injury ahead of the Liverpool FA Cup tie two weeks ago.

In the advanced midfield positions, winger Alejandro Garnacho has operated on the right in the last few games, with relentless captain Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role. Marcus Rashford, when fit, is a mainstay on the left wing but has also been covering upfront during Rasmus Hojlund’s injury absence.

Hojlund returned to action in the FA Cup two weeks ago and featured in both of Denmark’s fixtures during the international break, and should be starting against Brentford in the number nine position.

Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics

In the last five fixtures in all competitions, Manchester United have three victories and two defeats, having been on a seven-game unbeaten run until the home loss to Fulham on February 24. Despite largely positive results since the turn of the calendar year, questions remain over the Red Devils ability to maintain control of games, with many recent games, whether wins or losses, marked by chaos and inconsistency.

Indeed, Ten Hag’s side seems to play both their best and worst football in moments of transition, committing players forward to cause teams real headaches with their speed – but also exhibiting vulnerability in turnovers as huge swathes of midfield are open when the team loses possession. These issues have been exacerbated by a consistent stream of injuries to the defensive line, with constant rotation the story of the season.

Manchester United Injuries To Consider

The big news from the manager’s press conference is that Argentinian centre-back Lisandro Martinez is in line for a return to the squad following a successful trip with the national team – during which he continued his recovery from a knee problem. Luke Shaw ( Thigh) and Tyrell Malacia (Knee) are still out, although Ten Hag has specified that the former is still in line to return before the end of the season.

The Dutchman gave little away about the fitness of Casemiro (Muscular injury), Harry Maguire (Knock) and Jonny Evans (Hamstring), with all three assessed ahead of the game.

Striker Anthony Martial is still out whilst he recovers from groin surgery, with the Frenchman expected to be available sometime in mid-April.

Altay Bayindir could be in line to return to the bench after a couple of weeks out with a muscle strain. FA Cup match-winner Amad Diallo is suspended after being sent off for removing his shirt after scoring a last-minute winner.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup

GK: André Onana

RB: Diogo Dalot

CB: Raphael Varane

CB: Victor Lindelof

LB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

CM: Kobbie Mainoo

CM: Scott McTominay

RW: Alejandro Garnacho

CAM: Bruno Fernandes

LW: Marcus Rashford

ST: Rasmus Hojlund

Current Odds: Brentford vs Manchester United

Brentford: 9/5

Draw: 14/5

Manchester United: 5/4