Man Utd damage replace forward of Brentford conflict as two stars set to return to squad

Manchester United host Brentford in the Premier League on Monday evening, with two stars potentially in the mix to make Michael Carrick’s squad

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Manchester United face Brentford in the Premier League on Monday evening, as they aim to secure their spot in the 2026/27 Champions League. The Reds currently sit third in the league table with 58 points, level with Liverpool and Aston Villa who hold fourth and fifth positions respectively.

With just five matches remaining until the season’s end, United are in a strong position to play in Europe’s top football competition again next term. However, to give themselves the best chance of securing Champions League qualification, Michael Carrick’s team will need to be near flawless from now until the end of May.

That begins with Monday night’s clash at Old Trafford against the formidable Bees. While Carrick would have hoped to have his strongest possible squad ready for the final stretch, the Englishman has unfortunately not been granted this luxury, with several key players sidelined due to injury and suspension. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the situation ahead of Monday’s crucial match.

Leny Yoro

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Yoro was absent from last weekend’s victory over Chelsea following a training ground injury. And while Carrick will have been hoping to have the defender available and ready to face Brentford, the interim manager revealed in his pre-match press conference that he might not be quite prepared yet.

He said: “We’re still working on [Leny]. So, there’s a possibility, there’s a possibility, but at this stage, it’s not 100 per cent sure.”

Potential return date: Monday, April 27 vs Brentford

Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt has been sidelined since November due to a back problem, and while he has returned to training recently, he is not expected to feature this week. A club statement earlier this month read: “Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is working hard on his rehabilitation, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.

“The popular Netherlands international made an excellent start to the season and was deservedly voted our Player of the Month for November by supporters. Matthijs has unfortunately been sidelined since 30 November, but the 26-year-old remains upbeat and focused on returning to full fitness.”

It added: “The centre-back is working individually and doing everything he can to return. De Ligt is focused on returning to full fitness, as of yet Michael Carrick has not disclosed a timescale when he is due to return to action.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu remains on the mend from a hamstring problem sustained during January’s thrilling 3-2 triumph against Arsenal. While the versatile full-back is working hard in training sessions to force his way back into contention, Carrick has confirmed he will be absent for Monday night’s journey.

He explained: “Patrick’s working his way to being back. He’s certainly making good progress and back closer to training with us, which is positive, so that’s good news.”

Potential return date: May

Lisandro Martinez

Despite being injury-free, Martinez will also miss Monday’s clash with the Bees.

The Argentine centre-back is currently serving a three-match suspension following his dismissal for holding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair during United’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United earlier this month.

Potential return date: Saturday, May 9 vs Sunderland AFC