United Beyond Manchester

92nd minute. Manchester United behind 1-0 at home to Brentford. Enter Scott McTominay. After Diogo Dalot’s shot was saved, McTominay buried the ball into the corner with his right foot to make it 1-1. Four minutes later, the Scotsman headed Manchester United into an improbable victory at the death. This weekend, Manchester United travel to Brentford and will try to build off the incredible win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Historical Highlight

The first-ever meeting between Manchester United and Brentford came in 1928. Led by James (Jimmy) Hanson’s four goals, the Reds thrashed Brentford at Old Trafford with a 7-1 win. This win was the biggest for Herbert Bramlett’s side that season. Jimmy Hanson led United’s scoring that season with 20 goals in all competitions.

Current Form

Manchester United are coming off a stunning late win over rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup. Amad Diallo scored the winner with his left foot and provided fans with a legendary celebration. That 4-3 result should provide this United team the confidence to end the season well.

Brentford are struggling for form and have not won in their last five matches. In the last match before the international break, Brentford lost wire-to-wire to Burnley after an early Sergio Reguilon red card.

Team News

Manchester United are starting to get healthy at the right time. Rasmus Hojlund has returned from his injury after featuring for Denmark and will walk back into the starting XI. Lisandro Martinez is very close to full health and should be a part of the squad in some capacity on Saturday. Jonny Evans will be ready this weekend after his knock before the international break.

Unfortunately, Casemiro and Harry Maguire are doubts for this weekend’s match. Both player’s injuries are not believed to be serious, but they will most likely not be ready for Brentford.

Long-term absentees Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Anthony Martial remain out.

Brentford will potentially welcome back standout defender Ethan Pinnock for this weekend’s match. Christian Norgaard picked up a back injury and will most likely be out. The home side will also be without Rico Henry, Ben Mee, Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey, and Kevin Schade.

Predicted Starting XI

GK: Andre Onana

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot

Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford

Match Prediction

Manchester United will build off the FA Cup win and grab a 3-0 win at Brentford. Returning striker Rasmus Hojlund will grab two goals, and Kobbie Mainoo will score his second-ever Premier League goal. This will be a huge result as the Reds will play Chelsea and Liverpool at the end of the week.

One Bold Prediction

There will be at least one United debut in this match. With United winning comfortably, and matches against Chelsea and Liverpool upcoming, Erik Ten Hag will use young players to save the legs of United’s important players. Toby Collyer and Habeeb Ogunneye have been on the bench for the Reds in the last few games, and one or both will make their debut on Saturday.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!