Manchester United will be looking for a swift response to Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Newcastle.
Since lifting the EFL trophy on February 26th, the Red Devils have collected a solitary point from three Premier League outings, leaving their top-four aspirations in a concerning situation.
? Previewing #MUNBRE.
The boss is sat down with the media ahead of Wednesday's fixture — watch now in our app ⬇️#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 4, 2023
There is little time to reflect on the defeat as Erik ten Hag's men welcome Thomas Frank's Brentford to Manchester for an 8.00 pm start tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5th.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Frank has described the clash as "potentially the most difficult game" of Brentford’s season.
The reverse tie in August saw United humbled by a scoreline of 4-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium in what was ten Hag's second Premier League fixture as United boss.
? Thomas Frank has been speaking with the media ahead of Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford#MUNBRE pic.twitter.com/3CHbjrdPAo
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 3, 2023
Brentford have been exciting supporters throughout the campaign and currently sit seventh in the table.
Frank told the media: "We are potentially going into the most difficult game of the season, with everything taken into consideration.
"We are going away to the biggest away ground, with those fans, against a very good side that are much more stable.
"Erik ten Hag and his staff have done a very good job. They’ve just won their first trophy and they’re fighting for a Champions League spot."
There's a positive update from Thomas Frank on Vitaly Janelt's fitness ?
Wednesday's full #MUNBRE Team News ⤵
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 3, 2023
"They lost so they will want to bounce back. Plus, we beat them last time, so they’ll doubly want to bounce back. And they’re a very good team with top players," he added.
The Bees were involved in a six-goal thriller with Brighton on Saturday and have suffered only one defeat in their last 16 Premier League outings.
Speaking ahead of potential returns to his squad, Frank said: "Vita had the knee problem but very good news: it was a minor injury against Southampton and he was on the grass today which is positive. But it will probably be too early for Wednesday night."
Frank also said Janelt’s fellow midfielder Frank Onyeka is out with a minor hamstring complaint.
The boss has delivered some big news about @ChrisEriksen8's return! ?#MUFC || #MUNBRE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 4, 2023
United are also in a position to welcome players back to first-team training, with Christian Eriksen on the brink of return.
"Not tomorrow," ten Hag replied on Tuesday afternoon when asked about the timeline of the midfielder’s comeback at his pre-match press conference.
"He is returning on the pitch, he is returning to team training today so we have to see how quickly he can now make the progress."
In further Manchester news, Luke Shaw has put pen to paper with his contract extension.
? @LukeShaw23 is here to stay! ✍️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 4, 2023
The England international has made close to 250 appearances for the club since making the switch from Southampton nine years ago.
The United faithful will be hoping he can reclaim his early-season form, in aiding the side to solidify three points toward their top-four aspirations.
