Brentford vs. Man United live score, updates, highlights from Premier League

Much has been made about the Red Devils’ struggles through Ralf Rangnick’s brief tenure in charge, but both teams will be looking to spark a turnaround as Brentford hosts Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium on Wednesday.

Man United (7th, 32pts) is facing an uphill battle to qualify for a Champions League place, sitting five points back of a qualifying position with a number of teams all vying for one spot. Rangnick’s arrival has not produced the revival United fans had hoped, with renewed challenges regarding star players and squad talent.

Most notably, rumors have sprung with increasing frequency regarding attacking talisman Bruno Fernandes, who scored twice last time out against Aston Villa before the team capitulated to a draw. After Fernandes had been playingout of position in Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2, Rangnick has admitted he could shift to a 4-3-3 more frequently.

MORE: Premier League standings & table races

Brentford (14th, 23pts) too is stumbling of late, with four losses in its last five matches sparking a tumble down the table, now 10 points above the relegation zone. It doesn’t feel like Thomas Frank’s position in charge is in too much peril, but any further difficulty could see the Bees sucked truly into the relegation battle. A result against a vulnerable Manchester United could provide a revival of form and a boost in confidence.

This is the first meeting between the two clubs in any competition since 1975, and first league matchup since a top-flight scoreless draw in 1947.

Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.

Brentford vs. Man United live score

Goals:
None

(All times Eastern)

25th minute: Diogo Dalot steps up and rifles one high and wide from a long distance out. United does not yet have a shot on target.

20th minute: United has yet to produce a response to Brentford’s big chance. The Bees are hacking Ronaldo to some effect, and they have been able to absorb pressure at the edge of the attacking third looking to counter. United has looked to go over the top of the Brentford back line a few times, to no avail. The visitors appear well locked down at the moment, with Bruno Fernandes yet to truly have an effect.

Long stoppage after a clash of heads between Fred and Pontus Janssen. They both return to the pitch and look to be unharmed.

13th minute: CHANCE, Brentford! WHAT A SAVE by De Gea! A Bees counter absolutely carves the Red Devils to pieces, but Mathias Jensen’s shot – with the goal absolutely gaping – is saveable, and De Gea makes a brilliant kick-save from point-blank range. Brentford should absolutley be in front, but yet again the Spaniard comes to Man United’s rescue. Jensen should have went far post but he got too cute. Alex Telles then blocks the eventual follow-up and the chance is lost.

9th minute: Man United, sporting its third kit with blue tops and yellow shorts, has begun to build into the match. A somewhat cheap corner is conceded by Sergi Canos, and despite the dangerous delivery it’s cleared. Somehow it comes back at the Bees and Anthony Elanga gets his head to it, but Jonas Lossl puts it out for another corner, which is also cleared.

3rd minute: Brentford has started brightly, with a shot just wide left by Mbeumo and good movement forward by the home side. Still very early.

Brentford Community Stadium is also home to Rugby Premiership side London Irish, and…well…you can tell.

1st minute: We’re under way! Brentford in its first match against Manchester United since 1975. The home crowd is ready to spur its team on, and also show its appreciation for the opponent’s more well-liked players.

2:46 p.m.: Manchester United has struggled mightily in the past with newly-promoted sides. Brentford presents another test in that department.

2:33 p.m.: Brentford showing its togetherness at home against a formidable opponent.

2:07 p.m.: Lineups are in. Manchester United is sticking with the 4-3-3 from the Aston Villa match, with Luke Shaw only able to make the bench after returning from suspension and Victor Lindelof still preferred to Harry Maguire despite the defensive meltdown last time out. Rangnick announced a training injury to Edinson Cavani, who misses out altogether.

For Brentford, Thomas Frank makes a big call, with new loanee Jonas Lossl starting in goal, replacing regular starter Alvaro Fernandez. Shane Baptiste drops out of the starting midfield as speculated, with Mathias Jensen the man to take his place.

1:30 p.m.: It has been a LONG time since these two teams faced off…

1:26 p.m.: Manchester United has arrived in the capital. Brentford’s ready to welcome the Red Devils.

1:00 p.m.: Brentford boss Thomas Frank hoping to create “another magic moment” “under the floodlights” against a “decent team” ????

1:00 p.m.: A good breakdown on why Manchester United has switched from Rangnick’s preferred 4-2-2-2 to the 4-3-3. It all boils down to one player: Bruno Fernandes.

Brentford vs. Man United lineups

Brentford continues to be without the injured quartet of Julian Jeanvier, David Raya, Charlie Goode, and Josh DaSilva, with all four still a ways from returning from long-term injuries. Frank Onyeka is also at AFCON 2022 with Nigeria. Zanka is still working on returning from his thigh injury and will not participate.

Rico Henry returned from injury against Liverpool but was withdrawn just after halftime, and he is rested in this match for load management. Shandon Baptiste‘s place in midfield has been shaky of late, and both Sergi Canos and Mathias Jensen come into the side in his place.

Brentford starting lineup (3-5-2): Lossl (GK) — Sorensen, Jansson, Pinnock – Rasmussen, Janelt, Norgard, Jensen, Canos – Toney, Mbeumo.

Brentford subs (9): Fernandez (GK), Henry, Forss, Wissa, Ghoddos, Ajer, Baptiste, Bidstrup, Stevens.

Paul Pogba is getting closer to a return for the Red Devils, a much-needed midfield boost, but he has only just returned to training and won’t be available just yet. Eric Bailly remains out due to his involvement in AFCON, but those are the only two guaranteed absences for United.

MORE: Man United winter transfer news roundup

Question marks surrounded the availability of three stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo back in the side after missing out against Aston Villa due to a slight hip problem. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has a non-COVID-related illness which keeps him sidelined, while Marcus Rashford returns to the bench after missing out against Aston Villa with a dead leg. Scott McTominay are slots back into the lineup after missing the last match due to a yellow card suspension, but Luke Shaw does not, picking up a knock in training to help Alex Telles retain his place.

Harry Maguire could see a return to the lineup after being benched last time out, with center back Victor Lindelof failing to impress as United coughed up its two-goal lead at Villa Park.

Man United starting lineup (4-3-3): De Gea (GK) — Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Telles — Fred, McTominay, Fernandes – Elanga, Ronaldo, Greenwood.

Man United subs (9): Heaton, Henderson, Jones, Maguire, Mata, Matic, van de Beek, Martial, Rashford.

How to watch Brentford vs. Man United

• Date: Wednesday, Jan. 19
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: — None —
• Streaming: Peacock (subscription required)

The Brentford vs. Manchester United match is exclusively avaliable on NBC streaming platform Peacock.

Brentford-Man United betting lines, picks & prediction

Pick: Over 2.5 goals (-115)

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Manchester United

• Moneyline: Brentford +370 / Draw +290 / Man United -135
• Spread: Man United -0.5 (-135) / Brentford +0.5 (+115)
• O/U 3.5 total goals: Over -115 / Under -105
• Both teams to score: Yes -125 / No +100