Why Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are on Manchester United bench against Brentford

Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro both need to get back some match rhythm before they can be considered ready to start for Manchester United again.

United are back in Premier League action on Saturday night and need a positive result if they are to keep up the pressure on both Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race for Champions League football.

Ten Hag's side have been handed a huge boost with Kobbie Mainoo back in the starting line up against Brentford following his recent illness, while Martinez and Casemiro have returned to the bench ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures.

Martinez has been sidelined for the best part of two months after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury in the win over West Ham but is closing in on a return to action, while Casemiro sustained a muscle injury before the clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup.

The duo could both feature from the bench on Saturday night, though United won't want to take any risks with either player ahead of a tough week that sees them face both Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Brentford, the United manager told MUTV: "They [Martínez & Casemiro] are back from injury, but they don't have the rhythm yet. They need minutes, but also training."

United XI vs Brentford: Onana; Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Wan-Bissaka; Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund.

Subs: Heaton, Amrabat, Maguire, Martinez, Mount, Eriksen, Casemiro, Antony, Kambwala.