Carrick to make two big changes vs Brentford as £37m Man Utd star returns

Manchester United entertain Brentford in Monday’s Premier League game at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are third in the league with 58 points and have the opportunity to secure their Champions League berth with a victory over the Bees.

Ahead of the game, Carrick could make at least two changes from the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Noussair Mazraoui recently played as a makeshift centre-back alongside teenager Ayden Heaven, and the duo produced a fine performance against the Blues.

Despite this, Mazraoui could drop to the bench on Monday night, with Carrick having been handed a huge boost with the return of one central defender.

Harry Maguire has reported directly for team training after missing the recent trip to west London due to serving an extended two-game domestic suspension.

Maguire served an initial one-game league ban after his sending off at Bournemouth. He was handed an additional suspension for misconduct after his red card.

Martinez was likewise absent after his unfortunate red card for a hair pull on Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He is suspended for two more games after an unsuccessful appeal.

Leny Yoro was also sidelined against the Blues with a minor injury, and Carrick did not confirm in his press conference whether he will be fit for Monday’s game.

Hence, Maguire looks poised to partner Heaven in the heart of the backline against the Bees, who have won the previous two league meetings between the clubs.

Both victories were at the Gtech Community Stadium. United have a 100 percent record at Old Trafford since the Bees’ promotion and will be eyeing another three points.

Aside from Maguire, Carrick could make one more change in the final third. Byran Mbeumo was not at his best against the Blues after starting in his preferred right-wing role.

The Cameroonian star was also replaced by Amad Diallo with an evident knock at Stamford Bridge. Regardless, we could see a straight swap with Amad getting the nod to start.

Mbeumo has not made a goal contribution since early February, while Amad has yet to manage one this year. The latter could get another chance to end his barren spell on Monday.

The £37 million signing has been getting into good scoring positions without any end product.

Article written by Sri Aswin .