Early team news: United v Brentford

As Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are still on the comeback trail from long-term injuries, Diogo Dalot has been ever-present on that flank this season, with new signing Noussair Mazraoui deployed on the right side of defence.

However, Mazraoui was withdrawn at half-time of our most recent fixture, the goalless draw at Aston Villa, and he subsequently pulled out of the Morocco squad.

It remains to be seen whether the former Ajax and Bayern Munich defender will be fit to take on the Bees, and Ten Hag is expected to provide an update in his press conference on Friday but, if he is unavailable, then Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof could be asked to deputise.

Harry Amass, the 17-year-old prospect, was a regular in the position during our pre-season tour but, despite seven appearances for the Under-21s, he has not been selected in a first-team squad yet this season.

Harry Maguire has joined Leny Yoro on the sidelines, with the England international ruled out for a ‘few weeks’ after suffering a muscle injury at Villa Park.

In midfield, there appears to be a fresh concern regarding Manuel Ugarte, who was forced off in the closing stages of Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in South America’s World Cup qualifiers, while Mason Mount has missed our last two fixtures having picked up a head injury and a knock during September’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Ten Hag will hope the issues that led to Amad, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo missing the international games have subsided, as the Reds seek to end a run of five winless games in all competitions, against a side which is yet to pick up an away point in 2024/25, albeit on the back of a difficult run of fixtures that has featured visits to Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham.

The Dutchman’s press conference is being streamed on Friday afternoon, so subscribe to MUTV to watch and tune in to our coverage on ManUtd.com and the United App for the latest injury updates then and a first chance to see what the boss has to say.

BRENTFORD TEAM NEWS

The Bees’ international players seem to have safely returned without any issues, unlike in September’s break.

Mathias Jensen, who scored for Brentford at Old Trafford in October 2023, has been unavailable due to a calf injury suffered while training with Denmark last month, but he is edging closer to a return and could be in contention to feature.

Rico Henry (knee) and Yoane Wissa (ankle) are also progressing well, according to manager Thomas Frank, but probably won’t be ready until at least November. Josh Dasilva (knee) is further away from playing again, while the wait for the debuts of summer arrivals Gustavo Nunes (back) and Igor Thiago (knee) will continue for a while yet.

Aaron Hickey will miss the majority of the season having undergone hamstring surgery in August.

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