Mainoo role, defensive dilemma, injury crisis - how Manchester United could line up vs Brentford

The FA Cup win over Liverpool will have instilled belief back into this Manchester United side, who have 10 Premier League games left to play.

Erik ten Hag can save the season by securing a top five spot, with the Premier League likely to be handed an extra Champions League qualification spot come May. United need to cut down a six-point gap to Tottenham and face a trip to Brentford on Saturday to begin that hunt.

They have nine injury doubts going into the game, though, including in goal. Fortunately, Andre Onana is fit to feature but Altay Bayindir faces a fitness test for the bench after picking up a muscle issue.

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It doesn’t look like Tyrell Malacia will be back anytime soon while Luke Shaw has a race against time to be fit before the end of the season, England boss Gareth Southgate let slip during the break.

It means Diogo Dalot will likely be played at left-back for the ninth time this season, with alternative cover Victor Lindelof perhaps needed at centre-back amid concerns over Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, who both also face late calls after missing internationals.

If Maguire is deemed unfit to feature, then Raphael Varane is a shoo-in for a start, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back having enjoyed a period of rest this break. The same cannot be said for Kobbie Mainoo, who was awarded man of the match for England against Belgium.

He may well now be on the plane to Germany this summer having become a must-start for United. The lack of update on Casemiro suggests the knock that kept him out of the Liverpool win and Brazil friendlies means he may not be set for an