Erik ten Hag’s three big Manchester United decisions vs Brentford (Premier League)

Erik ten Hag has three massive decisions to make as Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The last time Manchester United faced Brentford it ended in a dismal 4-0 Premier League loss that saw Erik ten Hag lose the second of his first two competitive fixtures as manager.

The fixture represented a big early change in Ten Hag’s reign as the loss caused Harry Maguire to lose his staff in place in the team, as well as convincing Casemiro to join the club.

Read More: What Casemiro told agent after Manchester United’s 4-0 loss to Brentford

In the last three fixtures, United have failed to score a single Premier League goal, losing two and drawing one against Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle United.

Here are three things to look out for as Brentford travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

1) Who plays up front?

The return of Anthony Martial from injury has caused much debate as to who should start upfront from now onwards.

Despite receiving much support from Ten Hag, Wout Weghorst has only scored two goals from 19 starts since he joined the club on loan from Burnley in January.

Anthony Martial has this season been riddled with injury after injury. However, his impact when he does play is clear and this was pointed out by Ten Hag recently.

Speaking ahead of the Newcastle game, Ten Hag said on Martial: “Remember Liverpool at home, remember [Manchester ] City at home – he can make a difference and we see that every time. He is now fit and hopefully, he can stay fit and he can have an impact in the last games.”

The Brentford fixture could prove to be an optimal time to bring Martial back into the fold of the squad.

2) Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not start against Newcastle United due to illness, however, Ten Hag confirmed that the right-back is back in training and available to play.

Diogo Dalot has been the preferred option for much of the season at right-back, however, it is Wan-Bissaka who has been performing to a superior degree since the World Cup.

Dalot has come under criticism recently since his performances post-World Cup have been sub-par when compared to his form under Ten Hag previously.

The Dutchman spoke about the pair in his pre-match conference yesterday, saying: “I think it is really close competition between them. Maybe Aaron gives you a little bit more defending, Diogo gives you a little bit more offence.”

Who he picks to start right back is probably one of the more interesting decisions to be made ahead of the tie.

3) Who starts in midfield?

With both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen still unavailable due to suspension and injury respectively, there is much debate as to who should start alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

Ten Hag has three realistic options available to him: Scott McTominay, Fred, and Marcel Sabitzer.

The former and latter started against Newcastle in the recent fixture, where many pointed out that United’s midfield looked overrun.

Despite his good form during the international break, Scott McTominay looked slightly out of his depth at St James’ Park and may make way for Fred in a fixture the Ten Hag will likely look to dominate possession in.

Fred has performed brilliantly at points this season under Ten Hag and is the top-scoring midfielder behind Fernandes in the side this season, with six goals to his name.

It will be intriguing to see if Ten Hag will stick or twist with his midfield for the Brentford fixture.