Five Tactical Changes – Maguire and Rashford out, Ronaldo and Gernacho in – Confirmed Manchester United Starting XI vs Brentford

The Red Devils were defeated 2-1 by Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening-day encounter at Old Trafford last weekend, infuriating many members of the club’s fanbase.

Erik ten Hag, the club’s new manager, will be acutely aware of the need to rebound from that setback with a far improved performance in West London, but he will have to do so without either Anthony Martial or Victor Lindelof.

Both players were absent from United’s defeat on Sunday, and the manager has revealed that neither will be fit to face the Bees.

Ten Hag stated at a press conference on Friday afternoon, “Martial will not be available, nor will Victor Lindelof, not this weekend.”

Brandon Williams and Facundo Pellistri are also out due to injuries.

The choice to sideline talismanic attacker Cristiano Ronaldo was also a key talking topic in the aftermath of Ten Hag’s first competitive encounter.

The Dutchman indicated at the time that the decision was made due to the 37-year-lack old’s match fitness, but he suggested on Friday that he may be in contention for a starting spot against Brentford.

“So he had a nice training week, I thought he played a little bit more than half an hour, he’s had two half games, and we’ll see for the starting XI tomorrow,” he said. “I keep my decision.”

Taking all of it into mind, we’ve compiled a list of Ten Hag’s available players for Saturday’s match below:

David de Gea and Tom Heaton are the goalkeepers.

Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez are the defenders.

Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Hannibal, Alejandro Garnacho, Donny van de Beek, James Garner, Tahith Chong, and Christian Eriksen are the midfielders.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Amad, and Shola Shoretire are the forwards.