Manchester United can unleash new attacking option vs Brentford

Martial to start?

Anthony Martial returned to action for the first time since February in Sunday's defeat at Newcastle, the Frenchman fit enough for 29 minutes off the bench. In what little time he had the Reds striker looked sharp, particularly with a quick touch and shot to force Nick Pope into a smart save.

Could this evening see the end of Wout Weghorst's 19 consecutive starts since joining on loan from Burnley? The 30-year-old has netted just twice in that time and there can be no doubting he would benefit from a rest.

Avoid an unwanted record

Another blank at St James' Park and that's three league games without a goal for United, following that 7-0 defeat at Anfield and the 0-0 draw against Southampton. The Reds have never failed to score in four straight Premier League games, doing so last under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1989 in the old First Division.

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Marcus Rashford has been relatively quiet in recent weeks and the over-reliance on him has shown. Erik ten Hag won't care whether it's him or anyone else finding the net, just so long as they avoid an unwanted record.

Faster start needed

For a side in the hunt for a top-four spot, United have not been quick enough out of the blocks this season and have often been left chasing games. Goal difference in the opening 45 is -1, while after the break it has increased to +5.

Brentford have been fast starters this season and will take the game to Ten Hag's side with little fear. How they cope with that and counter-punch in the first-half could well set the tone.

More direct play to cope with

Both of Newcastle's goals on Sunday came from crosses and if United think this evening will be any