For the first time this season, Manchester United travel to the south of the country to face Brentford on Saturday.

Kick-off, at 5.30pm BST, provides an opportunity to react positively to last weekend’s loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Bees will be in fine form after coming back two goals behind to snatch the game draw at Leicester City, and after comfortably avoiding the descent in their debut Premier League campaign.

One of the reasons for the move up to safety was the introduction of Christian Eriksen, but he will represent United this time around, having been transferred for free to Old Trafford in the summer.

The Denmark international made his competitive debut in a false 9 role, but the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo was able to step up his training this week suggests last season’s top scorer is closing in on full fitness.

Ronaldo came off the bench against Brighton and we are awaiting an update from Erik ten Hag on the centre-forward on Friday to see if he might be able to start.

Anthony Martial was, of course, out through injury but there is hope he may be able to return soon, after an impressive contribution in pre-season.

Facundo Pellistri has reported he suffered an ankle injury in the friendly against Atletico Madrid, while other squad members like Brandon Williams and Phil Jones missed the 2022 Tour due to physical condition issues.

Victor Lindelof was absent from the group last weekend and central defender Raphael Varane followed an individual training program, but he was present on the bench against the Seagulls.

BRENTFORD TEAM

Mikkel Damsgaard, who impressed in the last European Championship, could make his debut after sealing his move from Sampdoria.

Eriksen’s Danish teammate is already training but needs international clearance to play.

Sergi Canos (hamstring), Ethan Pinnock (knee) and Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring) were out last weekend due to injury, but manager Thomas Frank has yet to speak to the press ahead of the game .