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Manchester United vs Brentford news: Bees could sting Red Devils during their final home game

Manchester United prepare for their final home game of the season on Monday night, but with top four now out of reach, the Red Devils look lost for motivation.

Despite being handed numerous opportunities to stamp their authority in the top four of the Premier League, Manchester United weren't able to string together a consistent run of results.

It's left the Red Devils falling further behind Tottenham and Arsenal in the table, and it now seems inevitable that the incoming Erik ten Hag will be without Champions League football next season.

But while top four is now out of reach, United still have places and points to fight for, but an in-form Brentford side is certainly no guarantee in their final home game of the season.

Thomas Frank's side are unbeaten in their last four league fixtures and know a top 10 finish is within reach if they can take points from their Old Trafford visit.

When: Monday, May 2, 20:00 BST

Where: Old Trafford, Manchester

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event

Or follow live updates via our Match Centre

Who is the referee for Manchester United vs Brentford?

Chris Kavanagh, referee
Chris Kavanagh will take centre stage on Monday night, in what will be his 15th Premier League appearances of the season.
The Manchester-born official has not been shy when it comes to reaching for his pocket - he's handed out 55 yellow cards to players so far.
It'll be the first time Kavanagh has officiated either of the sides this season, but Brentford fans may remember the 36-year-old from the time he refereed their Championship play-off final win back in the 2020/21 season.

Premier League record (2021/22): Appearances (14), Yellow cards (55), Red cards (2), Penalties (5)

Recent form

Christian Eriksen Brentford
Brentford head to Old Trafford as the in-form team for this clash. Thomas Frank's side have pieced together a four-match unbeaten run and have lost just once in their last seven league fixtures.
Within those games, Brentford have taken points from Tottenham, West Ham and Chelsea, with the latter losing 4-1 to the Bees in early April.
The upturn of form came at a crucial time for the London side, with relegation doubts starting to creep in at the start of last month.
Now though, Brentford sit as high as 14th in the table and are just three points off Newcastle United in 10th.

A top-half finish would be superb for their first ever Premier League season, and a result on Monday night would certainly help in achieving that.

As for United, just one win in their last five tells you all you need to know about how their push for Champions League football went.

Ralf Rangnick's side have looked toothless in recent weeks and look even worse when defending.

A 1-1 draw to Chelsea last time out was generous considering their lacklustre performance, and having conceded 18 goals in their last eight games, they just can't seem to get it right under Rangnick.

Players in form

Without doubt, Manchester United have been too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring of late, with the Portuguese forward scoring eight of their last nine goals.

With no other strikers seemingly able to find the back of the net, Ronaldo seems their only hope of winning matches at the moment.
Thankfully for the Red Devils, the 37-year-old is in fine form, especially at home. Two hat-tricks against Norwich and Tottenham combined with his strike against Chelsea mean he's scored seven in his last four home outings.
As for Brentford, Christian Eriksen has enjoyed a fairytale return to football and is in great form for the Bees.
The Danish playmaker has registered a goal and assist in his last four matches and has been crucial to linking up the midfield and attack.
Ivan Toney has also enjoyed a superb season for Brentford, and he could look to add to his 12 Premier League goals on Monday evening.

Recent meetings

Man Utd vs Brentford
In the reverse fixture this season, Manchester United claimed all three points with a 3-1 win.
After a goalless first half, the game burst to life after the break, with Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford all scoring to give United a 3-0 lead.
Ivan Toney netted with five minutes remaining to cut the deficit, but the Red Devils took maximum points back in January.
The last time the sides met before that was in 1975, and Brentford's last victory against United came way back in 1938, when the Bees won 2-0 in the FA Cup.

Managers' quotes

Ralf Rangnick on the sidelines during the Manchester derby
When asked whether some players could be saying their final farewell to Old Trafford on Monday, Ralf Rangnick was quick to point out that it will come second to getting a result against Brentford.
"Yes, I would like to but again it is also about getting the best possible result and the best possible performance.
"So, it is not about saying farewell to the supporters. If possible, I will do that or I would like to do that, but it is also about getting the best possible result."
Thomas Frank urged his Brentford players to go to Old Trafford without fear:
"I know they have a fantastic history and big names on the back of their shirts but it's about going there, expressing ourselves, and trying to do our best.
"We want to go into every game with confidence and belief that you can do something.
"We are not going there with fear. If we could win there, it would be unbelievable."

Predicted line-ups

United will likely be without Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba for their final home game of the season, with the quartet all suffering from injuries.

Fred and Edinson Cavani could make a return to the side though, which could ease some of the pressure on Ronaldo's goalscoring.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also make a return to the side after losing his spot at right-back to Diogo Dalot.
As for Brentford, Ethan Pinnock, Sergi Canos and Saman Ghoddos are doubts for Monday evening, while Christian Norgaard will likely recover from a knock to feature.

Man Utd XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles, McTominay, Fred, Rashford, Fernandes, Elanga, Ronaldo

Brentford XI: Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Roerslev, Henry, Norgaard, Eriksen, Janelt, Jensen, Mbeumo, Toney

Manchester United vs Brentford prediction

Brentford are in great form and will be in the mood to cause an upset during United's Old Trafford farewell.
Rangnick's side also seem to have lost motivation towards the end of the season, so a stalemate seems likely on Monday. We'll go for a 1-1.

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