Ralf Rangnick's time as Manchester United interim manager looks to be coming to a close in unimpressive fashion as they prepare for the final home match of their Premier League season.
Brentford look set to end the season in good spirits, having steered clear of the relegation scrap, but Monday's hosts aren't in the the mood for a party as an injury-hit United shuffle from one disappointing performance to the next.
United won the reverse fixture 3-1, and the Red Devils would love a similar outcome at Old Trafford, given fans have had little to cheer in recent weeks. A deflating loss to Liverpool was followed by defeat away to Arsenal, which all but ended their hopes of Champions League football next season. A draw at home to Chelsea was some improvement, and they'll be hoping that is a result on which they can build.
Thomas Frank's Brentford go into this game a relatively comfortable 14th in the table, a position they'll surely be happy with in their first season after promotion. The Bees have won a lot of admirers with their energetic approach and their entertaining games, and their recent run of three consecutive wins includes a 4-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
They've travelled well, and although they'll likely be underdogs in Manchester, they've shown an ability to make life tricky for their hosts. United made a meal of their game against Norwich City, needing a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick to get past the Canaries and, although they could have enough to blow away the Bees, Brentford have made a habit of sticking in games.
How to watch Man United vs. Brentford
UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
Date | May 2 | May 2 | May 2 | May 3 |
Time | 20:00 BST | 3:00 p.m. ET | 3:00 p.m. ET | 5:00 a.m. AEST |
TV channel | Sky Sports Premier League | - | - | - |
Streaming | NOW TV/SkyGo | NBC Sports/Peacock Premium | DAZN | Optus Sport |
In the US, televised Premier League games are also available on fuboTV, which also offers a free trial to new subscribers.
In Canada, every Premier League game streams live on DAZN.
Man United vs. Brentford predicted lineups
United have been carrying a significant number of injuries in recent weeks. Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, and Jadon Sancho are expected to miss the game, while Harry Maguire and Edinson Cavani are battling to be fit.
Fred has returned to training, but it's not certain whether he'll be available for the game on Monday. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to be back in the squad, having not made it back in time for the Chelsea match, while Jesse Lingard may also return.
Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) — Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles — McTominay, Matic — Elanga, Fernandes, Rashford — Ronaldo.
Thomas Frank has a few concerns of his own. Zanka and Frank Onyeka are both ruled out for the rest of the season, while Sergi Canos is also not expected to feature at Old Trafford. Kristoffer Ajer and Christian Norgaard both missed the draw against Tottenham but are likely to return in time for this game.
Ethan Pinnock and Saman Ghoddos are other doubts ahead of the match.
Brentford predicted lineup (5-3-2): Raya (GK) — Wissa, Ajer, Jansson, Sorensen, Henry — Janelt, Norgaard, Eriksen — Mbuemo, Toney.
MORE: Who is Erik ten Hag? New Manchester United manager playing style, clubs managed & trophies
Man United vs. Brentford betting odds
Manchester United are still seen as the favourites for this game, but Brentford's odds aren't as long as they would be in other seasons, a combination of United's poor form and the threat that Frank's side have shown on their travels.
UK (Sky Bet) | USA (DraftKings) | Canada (Sports Interaction) | |
Manchester United Win | 8/11 | -135 | 1.71 |
Draw | 29/10 | +310 | 3.93 |
Brentford Win | 7/2 | +350 | 4.31 |
Over 2.5 Goals | 4/6 | -145 | — |
Both Teams to Score | 8/13 | -160 | 1.62 |