United v Brentford: TV info, team news, form guides

The Reds need a maximum of two wins from our final five fixtures to rubberstamp a top-five finish, but may require even fewer points by the time we kick off against the Bees.

That’s because each of the teams below us, who are still in the reckoning, play before we do.

We’ll list those fixtures, after taking a more in-depth look at the meeting with the Londoners in M16…

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

The 20:00 BST kick-off is being broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max for viewers in the UK.

Alternatively, you can join us on MUTV for our usual matchday offering, where we'll bring you exclusive pre-game build-up, before our live commentary providing a United perspective on the action.

Subscribers can also watch the show via ManUtd.com and on the United App, where you'll also find interviews, live text updates, interactive content and up-to-date stats to keep you informed throughout the evening.

Short highlights will be available across our platforms two hours after the full-time whistle, followed by longer edits.

TEAM NEWS

Harry Maguire is in line for a return, after he served the extra match of his red-card suspension during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Chelsea.

Lisandro Martinez is still banned, though, while Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro sat out of the trip to Stamford Bridge with injury. The latter’s absence, caused by a knock suffered during the week, necessitated some reshuffling at the back, as Noussair Mazraoui partnered Ayden Heaven in SW6.

Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu has been on the comeback trail doing individual work at Carrington, while there was a first appearance in a senior matchday squad for 18-year-old midfielder Jim Thwaites at the weekend.

Aaron Hickey was back on the Brentford bench for the west London derby stalemate with Fulham, after two months out injured, while Jordan Henderson is ‘not too far away [from a return], maybe over the next couple of weeks’, according to boss Keith Andrews.

Rico Henry and Vitaly Janelt are hoping to be involved again before the end of 2025/26, but Fabio Carvalho, Jay Dasilva and Antoni Milambo are long-term absentees.

FORM GUIDE

Keith Andrews has enjoyed a superb first season at the helm, having taken over from the long-serving Thomas Frank last summer.

The Bees’ former set-piece coach is in his maiden management job, and the Londoners have firmly established themselves in the top half of the table, after a mixed start to the campaign.

Brentford are firmly in the chase for European places, after losing just once in their last 10 games, however their march has stalled a little in recent weeks, with the most recent five outings ending level, including Saturday’s goalless draw at Fulham.

With 24 goals in all competitions, Igor Thiago has been the undisputed star at the spearhead of an attack that also features the dangerous Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade.

In previous seasons, the Bees have been renowned for their formidable home record, but they have taken 20 points on the road this term, including impressive victories at Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

RECENT MEETINGS

Brentford came out on top in October’s reverse fixture, as Thiago’s first-half double saw them race into a two-goal lead.

Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for the Reds, before Bruno Fernandes had a penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. United threw everything at the hosts in search of an equaliser, but Mathias Jensen scored on the break as the Bees beat us at Gtech Community Stadium for a third time in four seasons.

Our matches with the Bees at Old Trafford have been much more enjoyable, with the Reds prevailing on all four occasions since their 2021 promotion.

We’ve had to come from behind the last two times though – who could forget Scott McTominay’s injury-time double to turn around a seemingly lost cause in October 2023?

TEAM NEWS

RIVALS WATCH

Three midweek fixtures are scheduled, with Chelsea, Leeds United and Manchester City involved ahead of their weekend Emirates FA Cup semi-finals…

TUESDAY 21 APRIL

Brighton v Chelsea (20:00 BST)

WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL

Bournemouth v Leeds (20:00 BST)
Burnley v Manchester City (20:00 BST)

FRIDAY 24 APRIL

Sunderland v Nottingham Forest (20:00 BST)

SATURDAY 25 APRIL

Fulham v Aston Villa (12:30 BST)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Everton
Wolves v Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal v Newcastle (17:30 BST)

MONDAY 27 APRIL

UNITED v Brentford (20:00 BST)

Kick-offs 15:00 BST unless stated.