Man Utd vs Brentford: Why is this the final home game of 2021/22? Plus players who could bow out

Despite there being three weeks left of the Premier League season, Monday is Manchester United’s last game at Old Trafford this term.
Monday’s game with Brentford is Manchester United’s last of the season. Credit: Getty.Monday’s game with Brentford is Manchester United’s last of the season. Credit: Getty.
Monday’s game with Brentford is Manchester United’s last of the season. Credit: Getty.

Manchester United host Brentford on Monday night in the Premier League, with the game kicking off at 8pm.

A loss or draw against the in-form Bees would mean United could no longer mathematically secure a Champions League place this season, although the Red Devils’ chances look all but over even if they win on Monday.

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Peculiarly, it’s also United’s final home match of what has been a difficult campaign for the fans, while it will mark the end of the road for several key players.

United’s fanbase will approach the last home game of the season with a mixture of emotions. Credit: Getty.United’s fanbase will approach the last home game of the season with a mixture of emotions. Credit: Getty.
United’s fanbase will approach the last home game of the season with a mixture of emotions. Credit: Getty.

Why is this United’s final home game?

Despite there still being three weeks left of the Premier League season, after Monday night United won’t play again at Old Trafford in 2021/22.

That’s because the Red Devils’ clash with Chelsea, which was originally scheduled for the weekend of 14/15 May, was moved to last Thursday due to Thomas Tuchel’s men progressing to the FA Cup final, a game that will now be played at Wembley on that date.

While United do have two more league matches between now and the end of the season, both are away, to Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.

Jesse Lingard could play his final Manchester United home game on Monday. Credit: Getty.Jesse Lingard could play his final Manchester United home game on Monday. Credit: Getty.
Jesse Lingard could play his final Manchester United home game on Monday. Credit: Getty.
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In contrast, Leicester City and Aston Villa have three home games remaining this term, which highlights how unusual United’s situation is.

Saying goodbye to Red Devils

Monday’s match marks the last time several players will don a red jersey at Old Trafford.

Nemanja Matic has already confirmed he is set to leave at the end of season, while the contracts of Lee Grant, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani all expire in the summer, meaning the clash with Brentford could afford United fans an opportunity to say some form of farewell.

Grant is unlikely to play, while Pogba is injured, but all of the aforementioned quinitent may be at Old Trafford on Monday, although the latter is unlikely to receive a warm send off from the home supporters.

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A number of other players could play their last home game for United, with the likes of Dean Henderson, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo linked with moves away from the club in recent weeks.

Another departure

Finally, Monday is also the last time Ralf Rangnick will take charge of United this season at Old Trafford, as he is set to take up a consultancy role with the club this summer.

It was confirmed last week that the 63-year-old will balance that job alongside managing the  Austrian national team, with Erik ten Hag taking charge of first-team responsibilities at the Red Devils next season.

While Rangnick’s time at Old Trafford has not delivered the turnaround fans wished for, his straight-talking approach has endeared him to the club’s supporters.