Cristiano Ronaldo has perfect Manchester United motivation against Brentford

Ronaldo's return

Erik ten Hag gave little away when he was asked about the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo starting for Manchester United tonight, but the Dutchman would appear to have few other options.

He tried a false nine system last weekend that failed to offer any kind of threat and with Anthony Martial still out injured, United need a focal point in their attack in West London.

Ronaldo played 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano two weeks ago and came off the bench for the final 37 minutes against Brighton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

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It was at the Brentford Community Stadium where Ronaldo produced his most petulant moment of last season, when he was withdrawn for Harry Maguire and proceeded to sit on the dugout steps arguing about the decision with Darren Fletcher and Ralf Rangnick.

This summer Ronaldo has made it plain he wants out of Old Trafford, but there is little Champions League interest in his signature. That must sting for the 37-year-old and if he starts against Brentford it might well motivate him to prove a point, to his current employers and to the rest of the continent.

Eriksen's role

It was Christian Eriksen who started as the false nine last week but his most impressive moments arrived when he dropped into a deeper midfield role.

That might be his only way into the side this weekend if Ronaldo does return. Bruno Fernandes isn't yet under pressure in the advanced midfield role, so the decision for Ten Hag might be between Eriksen and Scott McTominay.

The latter was excellent in the 3-1 win here in January and it does feel like this team isn't yet set up to play with a midfield of Fred, Eriksen and Fernandes.

That set-up