MANCHESTER UNITED have recalled Cristiano Ronaldo to the starting line-up as they look for a much improved performance at Brentford today.
A quickfire double from Pascal Gross was enough for Brighton to condemn Erik ten Hag to a humiliating 2-1 defeat in his opening game.
And that has been enough to convince the Dutch manager to recall that wantaway five-time Ballon d’Or winner to the squad.
But United may well be pleased to see today’s opponents as they beat them 3-0 and 3-1 in their meetings last season.
- Kick-off time: 5.30pm
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier League
- Live stream: Sky Go/Now TV
- Brentford XI: Raya; Hickey, Jansson, Mee, Henry; Roerslev, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbuemo, Toney, Dasilva.
- Man Utd XI: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford.
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Dasilva looks to pick up from last week.
Josh Dasilva scored from his first shot on target in the league last week, with Thomas Frank heaping praise on him for his performance.
He starts for the Bees today, and with the incoming Mikkel Damsgaard cranking the pressure up, he will need to continue to prove his worth.
A hot one in London
The temperature is reading around 34 degrees in the capital at the moment, with it already forcing matches earlier today to have drinks breaks in the middle of the halves.
Who will that have an effect on most tonight?
Take two for Martinez
While last week certainly didn’t go to plan on a wider scale, the debuting Lisandro Martinez also had a first appearance to forget.
Looking as uncertain at times as his partner Harry Maguire, there was certainly no base for United to build on last week.
The pair start together today, with them being offered another chance to prove they should be the starting duo this season.
City and Arsenal set to make statements
United’s players will no doubt have an eye on what two of their biggest rivals have been up to today, although it won’t be pretty reading.
City are four to the good against Bournemouth, meanwhile a Gabriel Jesus inspired Arsenal are set to continue their perfect start against Leicester City.
You can follow the final few moments of those games here
Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Arsenal vs Leicester City
Toney looking to reach the next level
Last season saw Ivan Toney transition to Premier League life about as seamlessly as any promoted striker has in recent years.
After his goal last week, he’ll be hoping that’s the start of another big season in the top flight.
He starts up top for the hosts again.
Ronaldo is back
So the Portugal international does start for United today, with the importance of a result today overshadowing any off-field antics.
As for Brentford, their new man Mikkel Damsgaard will have to wait for his first minutes for them, as he starts from the bench.
Team News: United
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Eriksen, Fernandes; Rashford, Ronaldo, Sancho
Team News: Brentford
Raya; Roerslev, Hickey, Jansson, Mee, Henry; Norgaard, Jensen, Dasilva; Mbuemo, Toney
Eriksen returns
Brentford gave Christian Eriksen his return to professional football midway through last season, when he signed a short-term contract to feature for them.
He looked close to his best straight away, and Manchester United saw enough to make him one of their signings of the summer.
Now, he returns to London and could start against his former side.
Result essential for Red Devils
With Liverpool awaiting them next week, anything other than a win could see serious questions approaching Erik ten Hag very soon.
With them unlikely to beat Jurgen Klopp’s men, starting the season without a win in three is simply unacceptable for a club with the ambitions of United.
A lot riding on today…
Elsewhere today
United fans will have taken no joy from the games in the Premier League so far to day, with local rivals Manchester City already three to the good against Bournemouth.
Arsenal, who have top four ambitions of their own were two up against Leicester, but a William Saliba own goal has pulled the Foxes back into things there.
You can follow The Sun’s coverage of the pair of games here:
Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Arsenal vs Leicester City
Debut for Damsgaard?
The latest addition to the West London side is Mikkel Damsgaard, who joined earlier this week from Serie A side Sampdoria.
Thomas Frank has hinted that if he features today, it is likely to be from the bench.
A start for Ronaldo?
The five-time Balon d’Or winner was only on the bench last week, with him forced to watch from the side as United fell two behind in the first half at Old Trafford.
With Anthony Martial still out with injury, today could be the day the great man makes his first start for the new manager.
Good Afternoon!
Hello, and welcome to The Sun’s coverage of Brentford vs Manchester United!
Erik ten Hag’s men will be desperate to kickstart their season following last week’s shambolic defeat to Brighton.
However, the Bees will be inspired by their comeback in the second half against Leicester City last weekend, and will be calling on their brilliant home support to help them today.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
