Manchester United face Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Monday evening, but will be without a number of first-team players through injury and suspension
Matthijs de Ligt has been out of action since November(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United take on Brentford in the Premier League on Monday evening, as they look to stamp their place in the Champions League for 2026/27. The Reds sit third in the league table at the time of writing on 58 points alongside Liverpool and Aston Villa – who occupy fourth and fifth respectively.
And with just five games to go until the end of the season, United are very well-placed to enjoy Europe’s premier footballing competition once more next term. However, to give themselves the best shot of claiming Champions League contention, Michael Carrick’s side will have to be night-on perfect between now and the end of May.
That starts with Monday night’s outing at Old Trafford against the impressive Bees. While Carrick will have hoped to have his strongest possible squad available for the run in, the Englishman has unfortunately not been afforded the privilege, with a number of first-team stars out through injury and suspension.
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Here, the MEN looks at the state of play headed into Monday’s ever-important fixture…
Leny Yoro
Yoro missed last weekend’s win against Chelsea after suffering a knock in training. And while Carrick will have hoped to have the defender fit and ready to take on Brentford, the interim head coach confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he may not be quite there yet.
He said: “We’re still working on [Leny]. So, there’s a possibility, there’s a possibility, but at this stage, it’s not 100 per cent sure.”
Potential return date: Monday, April 27 vs Brentford
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Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt has been out of action since November owing to a back injury, and although he has returned to training as of late, he is not expected to feature this week. A club statement earlier this month read: “Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is working hard on his rehabilitation, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
The popular Netherlands international made an excellent start to the season and was deservedly voted our Player of the Month for November by supporters. Matthijs has unfortunately been sidelined since 30 November, but the 26-year-old remains upbeat and focused on returning to full fitness.”
It added: “The centre-back is working individually and doing everything he can to return. De Ligt is focused on returning to full fitness, as of yet Michael Carrick has not disclosed a timescale when he is due to return to action.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu is still on the road to recovery from a hamstring injury he picked up in January’s 3-2 win over Arsenal. While the versatile full-back is working hard in training to make his way back to the fold, Carrick has confirmed that he will not be available for Monday night’s trip.
He said: “Patrick’s working his way to being back. He’s certainly making good progress and back closer to training with us, which is positive, so that’s good news.”
Potential return date: May
Lisandro Martinez
While not injured, Martinez will also be unavailable for Monday’s match with the Bees.
The Argentine centre-half is currently serving a three-game ban after he was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair during United’s 2-1 loss to Leeds United earlier this month.
Potential return date: Saturday, May 9 vs Sunderland AFC