Manchester United could be short of options again as Brentford travel to Old Trafford for a 8pm kick-off on Bank Holiday Monday.
For the midweek draw with Chelsea, several youth-team players made up the substitutes’ bench, including Alvaro Fernandez, Hannibal, Alejandro Garnacho and Shola Shoretire.
The Red Devils were without Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho for that game, and the trio are all set to miss out again on Monday, with Ralf Rangnick revealing the latter may not play again this season due to a severe case of tonsillitis.
On the other hand, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani could also return for the first Premier League meeting with the Bees at Old Trafford, with the quintet all absent against Chelsea.
Oddly, with three weeks left of the Premier League season, this is United’s last home game of the campaign, and could mark the final appearances of several United careers at Old Trafford.
Nemanja Matic has already confirmed he’ll depart at the end of the season, with Juan Mata, Lingard, Pogba and Cavani all expected to do likewise when their respective contracts expire.
For some of those, Monday offers the opportunity to bid a warm farewell to the home fans, whereas others may not move on with the warmest of sentiments.
Meanwhile, it will also be Ralf Rangnick’s last home game in charge of the Red Devils before he moves upstairs to begin a consultancy role.
The German will have a lot on his mind for the clash, and here’s how we think he’ll line up…
1. David De Gea
The goalkeeper put in another impressive display in midweek to keep Chelsea’s goal tally down to just one.
2. Diogo Dalot
Even if Wan-Bissaka is fit, Dalot is more likely to start at right-back given the former’s poor form this campaign.
3. Victor Lindelof
Had an awkward night on Wednesday, and could drop out of the side if Maguire is fit again.
4. Raphael Varane
Shouldn’t expect an easy ride against Brentford and the impressive Ivan Toney up front.