Manchester United vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Ronaldo goal seals win

Follow live reaction as Manchester United wrapped up their home campaign with a comfortable victory and improved performance against Brentford in the Premier League at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring inside 10 minutes as he finished Anthony Elanga’s cross from the right, before Cristiano Ronaldo saw a second ruled out after Juan Mata was caught offside.

Ronaldo would not be denied a second time, however, as he won and then converted a second-half penalty to double United’s lead shortly after the hour with his 18th Premier League goal of the season.

Raphael Varane added a third late on as United cruised to victory and there were goodbyes for Mata and Nemanja Matic on what was their final appearances at Old Trafford.

The result moves United four points clear of West Ham in the fight for seventh place, although the Hammers have three games left to play compared to United’s two.

Follow all the action and updates as Manchester United face Brentford:

Man Utd vs Brentford

• FT: United finish home season on a high with biggest win under Rangnick

• 72’ GOAL! Varane makes it three with first United goal

• 61’ GOAL! Ronaldo wins and scores penalty to double United’s lead

• 44’ NO GOAL! Ronaldo strike ruled out for offside

• 9’ GOAL! Fernandes buries Elanga cross to give United early lead

Manchester United FC 3 - 0 Brentford FC

Cristiano Ronaldo leads improved Manchester United to closing home win over Brentford

22:02 , Michael Jones

If it is goodbye and good riddance to 2021-22 at Old Trafford, it was a curiously fond farewell for Manchester United. A season that promised far more than it delivered, which began with a 5-1 demolition of Leeds, at least ended with Ralf Rangnick’s biggest victory in his final home game and was decorated by the departing Juan Mata.

Bruno Fernandes, who scored a hat-trick on that heady August afternoon against Leeds, bookended the campaign at home with his 50th United goal. Cristiano Ronaldo smashed in a penalty and, at 37, has equalled his tally of league goals – 18 – from 2008-09, when Real Madrid paid £80 million for him. Another exile from the Bernabeu, Raphael Varane, opened his United account and Brentford were comfortably beaten.

While it came to a backdrop of dissent, with supporters protesting about the Glazers’ ownership, United could at least enjoy victory, just their third in 12 games, in an open, entertaining affair. It was scarcely Rangnick football and it came with an air of irrelevance that underlined just how much their plans have gone awry.

In a week of Champions League semi-finals, United instead moved closer to booking a place in next season’s Europa League. They can still at least equal their lowest points total in three decades, the 64 they registered in 2013-14.

This has been their worst season since the 1980s and if the 5-0 evisceration by Liverpool represented a historic low, this represented their most emphatic triumph on home territory since Ronaldo’s second debut in September.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads improved Manchester United to closing home win over Brentford

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:59 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored nine of Manchester United’s last 12 Premier League goals, with eight of those coming at Old Trafford.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:55 , Michael Jones

Manchester United’s players make a lap of the pitch to applaud the fans who came out to see them every time they played at Old Trafford this season.

This was one of United’s best performances of the year and they finished their games run of home games on a high.

Full-time: Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:52 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Ralf Rangnick’s final game at Old Trafford ends in a win. Cristiano Ronaldo was given the man of the match award and there was even time for a few farewells. Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic were both applauded when being subbed off and Edinson Cavani made his return to the team as well.

Man Utd run out 3-0 winners against a lacklustre Brentford team.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:49 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Two minutes of added time to play at Old Trafford. It’s been a pretty regulation victory for Manchester United. Something that has been few and far between this season.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:45 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Christian Eriksen laces a ball into the box trying to pick out Ivan Toney but the striker can’t get a touch to the ball to turn it towards goal.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:41 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Bruno Fernandes has a go from range and his effort gets deflected wide of the left hand post. The corner is swung into the box and skips past Edinson Cavani and Phil Jones who where waiting in the six-yard area to get close to the ball. Brentford recover the loose ball and clear their lines.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:38 , Michael Jones

78 mins: There’s also been a few changes for Brentford. Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt and Bryan Mbeumo having gone off with Mathias Jensen, Josh Dasilva and Roane Wissa brought on.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford

21:33 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Anthony Elanga and Juan Mata are taken off by Ralf Rangnick. Mata may have also played his last minutes here for Man Utd. He’s replaced with Phil Jones and Edinson Cavani comes on in place of Elanga.

GOAL! Man Utd 3 - 0 Brentford (Varane, 72’)⚽️

21:31 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Manchester United are heading for victory in their last home match of the season. Raphael Varane meets a corner kick on the volley and turns it towards goal. There’s a deflection which confuses David Raya and sees the ball fly past him into the back of the net.

Man Utd 2 - 0 Brentford

21:29 , Michael Jones

70 mins: Nemanja Matic gets a round of applause from the Old Trafford crowd as he leaves the pitch for the final time as a Manchester United player. He’s leaving at the end of the season and has played his final game at Old Trafford. Fred comes on to replace him.

Man Utd 2 - 0 Brentford

21:28 , Michael Jones

67 mins: Ivan Toney takes the ball off Alex Telles and drills the ball into the box where Raphael Varane knocks it behind for a corner. The corner gets swung in by Eriksen but Ronaldo goes down and wins United a free kick.

Man Utd 2 - 0 Brentford

21:24 , Michael Jones

64 mins: Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 18th Premier League goal of the season for Man Utd.

GOAL! Man Utd 2 - 0 Brentford (Ronaldo, 61’)⚽️

21:20 , Michael Jones

61 mins: Ronaldo converts from the spot, Man Utd are back up to two!

Penalty to Man Utd!

21:19 , Michael Jones

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

60 mins: Diogo Dalot slides a through ball down the right side of the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo sprints across and shoulder Rico Henry off the ball. He carries it into the box and Henry responds by charging into him from behind and taking him down.

As clear as day.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

21:15 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Save! Brentford win a free kick about 25-yards out from goal an it’s Christian Eriksen who takes it. He smokes his effort around the wall and draws David De Gea into a leaping save to his left. The goalkeeper gets both hands to the shot and palms it wide of the far post.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

21:12 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Chance! Bruno Fernandes spots a gap in the Brentford back line as Kristoffer Ajer pushes too far forward. Juan Mata lays the ball off to Nemanja Matic who dinks it over the top and picks out Fernandes’ diagonal run into the box. He checks to the right and shoots back across the penalty area but his effort flies wide of the back post!

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

21:09 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Off the woodwork! Diogo Dalot nicks the ball off Christian Eriksen and slides it up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Dalot continues his run into the box and Ronaldo knocks the ball back to him. He shoots but hits the sprawling David Raya. The ball loops up off the goalkeeper, hits the crossbar and bounces away!

The offside flag then goes up as Ronaldo was marginally in front of the Brentford defence but Raya didn’t know that and made a good save for the Bees.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

21:06 , Michael Jones

48 mins: A training ground move from Brentford sees Ivan Toney make a run around the back of the Man Utd line as Christian Eriksen floats a free kick over to him. He meets it on the volley but fires his effort wide of the near post.

Second half: Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

21:04 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Manchester United restart the match and send it over to the right side towards Bruno Fernandes. Mads Sorensen beats him to the ball and Brentford take over possession.

No changes in personnel at half-time from either manager.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:58 , Michael Jones

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:54 , Michael Jones

Bruno Fernandes scored his first goal since February to put Manchester United in front at Old Trafford. Cristiano Ronaldo later had a goal chalked off for offside to send United into the break with a one-goal lead.

Half-time: Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:50 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: It was a good first half from Manchester United who dominated possession and found several ways to break Brentford down. They’ll take a lead into the break.

Brentford remain a threat though. They’ve created a couple of half chances and Christian Eriksen looks up for a fight. Will they come back in the second half?

NO GOAL! Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:48 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Disallowed goal! VAR comes to the rescue for Brentford and judges that Cristiano Ronaldo was offside as the played from Juan Mata came across to him. Man Utd see their cut knocked back to one.

GOAL! Man Utd 2 - 0 Brentford (Ronaldo, 44’)⚽️

20:44 , Michael Jones

44 mins: It’s comfortable for Man Utd now! United flick the ball down the left wing and Mata chests it down to Fernandes. He waits for Mata to spin in behind and loops the ball over to him. Ronaldo makes a run off the ball through the middle and Mata feeds it across to him. He meets it with a side-footed shot and despite Raya getting a hand to the ball finds the back of the net!

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:43 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Eriksen sends a short corner to Bryan Mbeumo who knocks the ball back to him. He looks to cross but checks to the left of Dalot to open up the middle of the box before blasting his cross straight out of play and letting out a yell of anger and frustration.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:39 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Ronaldo makes another decent run to get on the end of a through ball and wins United a corner after Ajer tackles him and knocks it out of play.

The corner is swung in by Alex Telles but Ivan Toney gets a solid head to the ball and nods it away.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:37 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Manchester United slickly work the ball around the pitch looking for space on the wings, passing it back to the goalkeeper and sweeping through the middle. Brentford try to get forward on the press but United’s passing is too slick for them to get close.

Juan Mata gives it to Bruno Fernandes who gets fouled over on the left side of the Bees’ final third. He goes down and wins a free kick. Alex Telles swings it into the box but David Raya confidently comes off his line and grabs the ball out of the air.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:32 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Dalot chips the ball into the box looking to pick out Ronaldo but his pass is too high and goes over the striker’s head. Raya tidies up for Brentford and Ronaldo gives Dalot a thumbs up for the effort.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:28 , Michael Jones

27 mins: There’s another penalty shout from Man Utd. They pass it quickly between Elanga, McTominay and Mata before the latter slides the ball into the box for Ronaldo. He takes over possession and gets nudged by Roerslev. Ronaldo hits the deck and the Bees clear their lines. The referee lets the game continue.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:26 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Man Utd win a free kick on the inside left channel, well within striking distance of goal. Cristiano Ronaldo is going to take it, he belts it low and gets it to bounce just before reaching the goalkeeper but David Raya gets in behind it and clings onto the ball. An easy enough save for a goalkeeper of his quality.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:23 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Anthony Elanga attempts to squeeze in between Rico Henry and Mads Sorensen on his way into the Brentford box. He tussles with Henry and both players go down on the edge of the area but the referee lets play go on and the Bees clear their lines.

They work the ball down to the other end of the pitch and Eriksen swings a cross into the box. He finds Ivan Toney who whips his headed effort over the bar!

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:21 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Bruno Fernandes makes a run down the left side and gets in behind and the ball comes over the top. He catches up to it at the byline as Mads Roerslev tracks back to block the cross. Fernandes rolls the ball into the defender and it goes out of play. The referee awards a goal kick and Fernandes erupts in frustration at the decision.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:18 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Christian Eriksen receives the ball just inside his own half and spins towards Man Utd’s goal. He laces a diagonal pass over to the opposite wing where Mads Roerslev gets forward and into the box. Alex Telles has him marked though and beats him to the ball in the air to head it away for the home side.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford

20:13 , Michael Jones

12 mins: There was a quick VAR check to make sure Elanga was onside, he was and the goal stands.

Christian Eriksen then attempts to restore parity with a long-ranged effort but fores his shot straight at David De Gea.

GOAL! Man Utd 1 - 0 Brentford (Fernandes, 9’)⚽️

20:10 , Michael Jones

9 mins: There’s the opener! Diogo Dalot starts the move with another fine aerial pass up the pitch. Anthony Elanga times his run well and stays onside before sprinting after the ball. He keeps it alive at the byline and cuts it back into the box where Bruno Fernandes arrives to volley it home!

Man Utd 0 - 0 Brentford

20:09 , Michael Jones

6 mins: David De Gea taps a cross into the Man Utd box over the crossbar and gives Brentford their second corner of the game. Christian Eriksen swings it into the are and the goalkeeper comes out to claim the ball.

At the other end of the pitch Anthony Elanga weaves his way into the box and collides with a defender. He goes down but the referee isn’t interested in the penaly appeal.

Man Utd 0 - 0 Brentford

20:05 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Chance! It’s United’s turn to worry the Brentford defence. Diogo Dalot flicks a forward pass over the top and perfectly picks of Cristiano Ronaldo on the penalty area. Ronaldo chests the ball down and looks to strike it on the volley but he slips on the wet turf at the last moment and the ball comes safely loose for David Raya to scoop up.

Kick off: Man Utd 0 - 0 Brentford

20:02 , Michael Jones

What a rapid start for Brentford! They kick off the game and feed the ball to Christian Eriksen who dinks it over the Man Utd defence. Bryan Mbeumo makes the run in behind but Alex Telles closes him down just as he brings the ball under control and his shot is blocked.

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:58 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams. Bruno Fernandes leads out Manchester United as they make their way out for the final time at Old Trafford this season.

Pontus Jansson captains Brentford. There’s a light drizzle of rain around, can Man Utd end their campaign at Old Trafford with a victory tonight?

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:53 , Michael Jones

Not long to go now until kick off. Can Manchester United get back to winning ways or will Brentford perform another upset by beating them at Old Trafford?

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:49 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored eight of Manchester United’s last nine league goals, with seven of those eight strikes arriving at Old Trafford.

He has been involved in 24 goals in his last 18 Premier League games against newly promoted sides (18 goals and six assists).

19:45 , Michael Jones

The Bees are unbeaten in all six of the games Christian Eriksen has started with five wins and one draw. Eriksen has created 13 chances since joining the club, more than any other Brentford player in that period.

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:41 , Michael Jones

David de Gea has made 121 saves in the Premier League this season, one shy of his highest total in a single campaign (set in 2018-19).

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:37 , Michael Jones

Ivan Toney’s goals have been worth nine points to Brentford in the Premier League this season - prior to this weekend’s games, only Cristiano Ronaldo’s strikes have been more valuable to his side.

Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United consultancy role is taking shape but lacks true definition

19:34 , Michael Jones

One of the final questions put to Ralf Rangnick during his unveiling back in December related to the nature of his future consultancy role. Would he be allowed to work in different jobs at other organisations over the two-year period?

“We haven’t spoken about that,” he replied. “The club told me that they would want to work with me, not only in the short term but also in at least the medium team. They also want to benefit from my experience and expertise. This would be a question you would have to ask to the board members.”

There was a good deal more clarity on that issue after word spread on Thursday evening of an offer to take charge of the Austrian national team, in the hours before Manchester United’s fortunate 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Ralf Rangnick’s consultancy role takes shape but lacks definition

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United must face ‘consequences’ for poor displays

19:30 , Michael Jones

Rio Ferdinand believes a fear of failure and consequences needs instilling in the Manchester United dressing room if things are to turn around under incoming manager Erik ten Hag.

Having finished runners-up in last year’s Premier League and Europa League, the summer signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho only fuelled optimism around Old Trafford.

But hope only made for an ever harder fall for the 20-time league champions, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departing in November and interim successor Ralf Rangnick failing to get a consistent tune out of the squad.

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United must face ‘consequences’ for poor displays

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:27 , Michael Jones

Brentford are vying to win three consecutive top-flight away fixtures for the first time in their history. The Bees are unbeaten in their last 12 league games played on a Monday with five wins and seven draws.

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:23 , Michael Jones

Brentford have won 16 top-flight points since the start of March through five wins, one draw and one loss. Their previous 16 points had been earned over 22 matches.

But, after keeping a clean sheet in two of their first three Premier League away fixtures, Brentford have conceded in each of their last 14 on the road. No side is on a longer run without an away clean sheet in the competition than the Bees.

Man Utd vs Brentford

19:20 , Michael Jones

Manchester United have won four of their last 16 matches in all competitions.

They are winless in each of their last four Premier League home fixtures played on a Monday (two draws, two defeats), including January’s 1-0 loss to Wolves, their only home league defeat under Ralf Rangnick.

Mata makes first start of season for Man Utd

19:15 , Michael Jones

With his contract running out at the end of the season, Juan Mata is almost certainly making his Old Trafford farewell appearance for Manchester United tonight.

He is given his first start of the season tonight having not started a Premier League game since the final day of last season, when then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rested his first choice XI ahead of the Europa League final.

Brentford head north with no fear as Bees hope to sting Manchester United

19:10 , Michael Jones

Thomas Frank wants his players to ignore Manchester United’s big names and express themselves as Brentford look to secure a historic victory at Old Trafford.

Last season’s Sky Bet Championship play-off winners are all but certain to beat the drop and secure another season of Premier League football having reached the 40-point mark.

Brentford have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during their first top-flight campaign since 1947 and hope to enjoy another at out-of-sorts United on Monday evening.

The Bees have rarely come up against the Red Devils down the decades, making the occasion all the more exciting as they attempt to win at Old Trafford for the first time since 1938.

Brentford head north with no fear as Bees hope to sting Manchester United

Man Utd vs Brentford team changes

19:05 , Michael Jones

Ralf Rangnick makes one change to the Manchester United team that drew 1-1 with Chelsea last Thursday. Marcus Rashford is replaced with Juan Mata.

Thomas Frank makes two changes to the Brentford starting XI. Saman Ghoddos and Mathias Jensen drop out with Kristoffer Ajer and Christian Norgaard coming in.

Man Utd vs Brentford line-ups

19:00 , Michael Jones

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles, Matic, McTominay, Mata, Fernandes, Elanga, Ronaldo

Brentford XI: Raya; Roerslev, Ajer, Jansson, Sorensen, Henry; Janelt, Norgaard, Eriksen; Toney, Mbeumo

Rangnick on Brentford’s campaign so far

18:55 , Michael Jones

Manchester United boss, Ralf Rangnick, spoke about this evening’s opponents and how well they have performed this season. Rangnick explained how tough United found the reverse fixture and expects a similar match again tonight.

“You could even see that in their first game, I remember watching it on TV. They won 2-0 against Arsenal, they won two or three weeks ago 4-1 at Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge.” he said, “We had our problems in the first game, in the first half. We could have been 2-0 down and we could only manage to change and turn the game in the second half. This will again not be an easy game for us.”

Man Utd vs Brentford

18:50 , Michael Jones

Manchester United are hosting Brentford for the first time in any competition since a 2-1 League Cup win in September 1975, and for the first time in the league since a 4-1 victory in December 1946.

Brentford are winless in six meetings with Manchester United in all competitions - with one draw and five defeats - since beating them 2-0 in the FA Cup in February 1938.

David De Gea heroics back up brutal honesty to illustrate Manchester United’s demise

18:45 , Michael Jones

David De Gea was doing wonders for his employers’ image again. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believed in the magic, the mystique of Manchester United. De Gea can testify to the misery of Manchester United. His former manager believed in the brand. The goalkeeper has brought a brutal realism to his media duties. “I feel embarrassed sometimes, I feel... it’s difficult to say, but I feel horrible on the pitch,” he said. Which was one way of previewing United against Chelsea, a game that was a Champions League final 14 years ago and an FA Cup final four years ago.

Perhaps his team-mates didn’t tune in to see De Gea’s latest attempt to rouse spirits. If, at the other end of the East Lancs Road, Jurgen Klopp is a master of engendering optimism, maybe De Gea’s skills lie instead in spreading pessimism. United’s first, and last, point against top-four opponents under Ralf Rangnick came courtesy of the Spaniard’s goalkeeping prowess, rather more than his skills as a motivator. It owed much to the excellence of Cristiano Ronaldo and him, two with memories of altogether happier days, in either penalty box as United rode their luck to draw.

They may be exempted from the criticism that virtually everyone else at Old Trafford merits, from their team-mates to the powerbrokers who contrived to compile the most expensive squad in football history only for signings amounting to almost half a billion pounds to be unavailable as Ralf Rangnick named a bench with four kids, two goalkeepers, two injury-hit defenders and an ageing Juan Mata. This was strength in depth, Manchester United style, but a fine goalkeeper can compensate for a multitude of other failings.

David De Gea heroics back up brutal honesty to illustrate Man United demise

Recent results for Man Utd and Brentford

18:40 , Michael Jones

Manchester United have won just one league game in their last six - a 3-2 victory over Norwich on 16th April. Following defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal they avoided losing three consecutive fixtures when Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Marcos Alonso’s strike against Chelsea last time out to earn them a draw at Old Trafford.

Brentford are unbeaten in four league games - a run that goes back to 20th March. In that time they have beaten Chelsea, West Ham and Watford before holding Tottenham to a goalless draw at home last time out. Thomas Franck’s men are full of confidence and a first Premier League trip to Old Trafford won’t bother them too much.

Premier League standings

18:35 , Michael Jones

Manchester United come into the game sitting sixth in the Premier League table. They are eight points behind Arsenal (4th) and six behind Tottenham (5th) having also played one game more than both London clubs. The Red Devils can salvage their season with a spot in the Europa League but they will need to finish at least sixth and there is a real chance that West Ham (7th) could catch and overtake them if results don’t go their way.

Brentford meanwhile head into tonight’s match 14th with 40 points to their name. That should be enough to keep them in the Premier League for another season and if Thomas Franck’s men can collect another three points tonight they would jump up to 11th with an eye on a top 10 finish.

Ralf Rangnick urges Manchester United to focus on finding ‘future top star players’

18:30 , Michael Jones

Ralf Rangnick believes Manchester United need to find and develop “future top star players” as the interim manager prepares to transition into an advisory role.

The 63-year-old is set to fail in his objective of leading the stuttering Red Devils to Champions League qualification but still hopes to leave a lasting legacy at Old Trafford.

Rangnick will switch from United’s interim boss to a consultancy role in the summer – a job that will run in tandem with his new position as manager of Austria’s national team.

Ralf Rangnick urges Man United to focus on finding ‘future top stars’

Thomas Frank believes Brentford ‘can get something out’ of tonight’s clash

18:25 , Michael Jones

Thomas Frank says his side go into every game “with a big belief we can get something out of it” and a trip to Old Trafford is no different.

“When they came to us, we played a great first half and should have been ahead,” he said. “David de Gea was fantastic. But going to Old Trafford is still a huge task. They are one of the biggest clubs in world football and on their day are still a team of world-class players.

“On paper, their front four is among the best in the league. Sure, they probably wanted and expected to be higher and it’s no disrespect to say they’re struggling in terms of their expectations.

“Even so, it’s a huge challenge for us but one we are looking forward to.”

Rangnick’s last game at Old Trafford

18:20 , Michael Jones

Ralf Rangnick will take charge of Manchester United for the last time at Old Trafford tonight ahead of Erik ten Hag’s arrival at the end of the season.

The interim boss was asked whether he felt the significance of the occasion and he replied: “Yeah, but it’s significant for everybody in the club, not only for the players who might not be here anymore. It’s also important that we show a top mentality and attitude and performance at home in the last game.”

Manchester United vs Brentford prediction: How will Premier League fixture play out tonight?

18:15 , Michael Jones

Manchester United will aim to get back to winning ways when they host Brentford FC in the Premier League this evening.

Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea ensured United avoided a third Premier League defeat in a row under Ralf Rangnick but they remain with just one win in six matches.

Their form has seemingly ended any hope of the club catching either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the top four and United’s season is in danger of fizzling out.

Predicting how Manchester United vs Brentford will play out tonight

Early team news for Man Utd vs Brentford

18:10 , Michael Jones

Manchester United’s Fred may be fit to feature against Brentford after missing four games with a muscle issue. Harry Maguire and Edinson Cavani will both be monitored ahead of kick off to see if they can play and Jesse Lingard is expected to be available but Jadon Sancho will miss out due to his tonsillitis.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes Christian Norgaard and Kristoffer Ajer should be available to play at Old Trafford but Ethan Pinnock, Sergi Canos, Frank Onyeka and Saman Ghoddos remain sidelined.

Sancho could miss rest of the season for United

18:05 , Michael Jones

There are only three games left in this season for Manchester United but the club may have to finish without the help of Jadon Sancho.

The 22-year-old missed United’s last match against Chelsea with tonsillitis and interim boss, Ralf Rangnick, believes the illness will keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

“As it seems, Jadon might be out for the rest of the season with his tonsillitis, so he will most likely be unavailable against Brentford.” Rangnick told the media in his pre-match press conference.

Man Utd vs Brentford

18:00 , Michael Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Monday night’s Premier League action as Manchester United host Brentford at Old Trafford.

United’s hopes of finishing in the top four have been all but eroded as they stand eight points behind fourth placed Arsenal having played one game more than the Gunners. Ralf Rangnick’s men are now playing for pride and a spot in the Europa League next season. However, they are in a poor run of form that has seen them win just one for their last six league matches although Cristiano Ronaldo managed to stop United losing three consecutive matches with his equaliser against Chelsea last time out.

On the other hand Thomas Frank’s Brentford are unbeaten in four matches and have all but secured their survival status for next year meaning they can enjoy their first ever Premier League visit to Old Trafford.