Mbembo's slump and minor injury may see him benched for Manchester United's clash with Brentford! Carrick could make two adjustments.

Manchester United will host Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday. Following Aston Villa's 0-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday, the Red Devils can seize the chance to pull away from their competitors and secure third place in the Premier League table. Manager Carrick is likely to implement two adjustments to the main squad, focusing on defensive and forward areas.

On the defensive front, United deployed full-back Mazraoui alongside youngster Eden Haven as center-backs, shutting out Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, that was largely due to Chelsea's poor chance conversion and the intervention of the goal frame, not necessarily indicating an impregnable defense.

Against Brentford, Maguire is expected to return to the starting lineup partnering left-footed youngster Haven, as his two-match suspension has ended. The "Bees" possess a robust style and have secured two consecutive wins against United recently, requiring Maguire's aerial prowess. Lisandro Martinez remains unavailable; he was suspended after a red card against Leeds, and his appeal failed, resulting in a three-match ban—this is the second game, and he will also miss the upcoming clash with Liverpool.

The FA disciplinary committee emphasized on Saturday that pulling an opponent's hair is absolutely unacceptable, hence Martinez's appeal was rejected, leading to a three-match suspension. In a written report, the independent regulatory committee stated that while other forms of violent conduct pose greater risks of harm, hair-pulling actions must also be curbed. The statement noted: "For the overall good of football, such acts undermining fair play cannot be tolerated and must be deterred through severe penalties."

Lenny Yoro also missed the Chelsea match due to a minor hip injury. Carrick did not confirm his availability for Brentford in the pre-match press conference, only stating there is hope but not 100% certainty. However, as he had not resumed normal training by Thursday, even if Yoro returns, he would likely only serve as a substitute.

Besides defense, Carrick might also adjust United's forward line, as the team's scoring efficiency has recently been unsatisfactory, particularly for Mbembo, who is tied as the team's top scorer but has not contributed to a goal since February. Moreover, during the Chelsea match, Mbembo was substituted by Zirkzee late in the game, appearing to limp off with a minor injury.

Cunha, who scored the winning goal, also sustained an injury in that match, feeling discomfort in his right groin area, leading to his early substitution as well. On Thursday morning, Mbembo participated in training while Cunha did not appear; however, United expects both to be available for the Premier League fixture against Brentford.

For Mbembo, this match might hold greater significance as it marks his second time facing his former club. Nevertheless, English media suggest that due to his form and fitness, even though Carrick prefers not to alter the lineup, he might opt to start Amad this time. At Stamford Bridge, Mbembo returned to the right-wing position but again failed to perform at an ideal level.

United lost 3-1 away to Brentford in the first meeting this season, with Sesko scoring a consolation goal. However, since Brentford's promotion to the Premier League, the Red Devils have maintained a perfect home record against them; the last time they failed to defeat the Bees at the Theatre of Dreams was back in 1937! Therefore, Carrick naturally expects this match to continue the winning momentum.

Predicted Manchester United starting lineup against Brentford: Sena Lamens/Diogo Dalot, Maguire, Haven, Luke Shaw/Casemiro, Kobbie Maino/Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha/Sesko.