Predicted Manchester United XI to face Brentford: Christian Eriksen set for deeper role

Erik ten Hag could make some personnel changes in his Manchester United line-up to face Brentford this weekend, as he looks to win his first-ever Premier League fixture.

The Dutchman got off to a losing start against Brighton and Hove Albion, with Graham Potters' men coming out with a 2-1 victory after a first half blitz at Old Trafford.

It will be another difficult task as United travel to London, but this time three points is a necessity after their opening weekend defeat.

There will be different tactical improvements that Ten Hag will want to make on Saturday, after an unrecognisable performance at Old Trafford following a positive pre-season.

However, perhaps more importantly, we could also see the Dutch manager make some changes to the personnel in his line-up in this encounter.

First of all, we will almost definitely see a new striker on the pitch after Christian Eriksen was used as a false-nine.

Cristiano Ronaldo was used off the bench, but will be looking to play from the start at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Anthony Martial could return to the fold after he was unavailable against Brighton through injury. It has previously been reported that that he could be fit for Brentford, Ten Hag clarified the situation when asked about the situation after the loss at the weekend.

"It's difficult to say [how long]. With his injury we have to wait until tomorrow for how we will progress, but we have one week [until the next game]," Ten Hag told the BBC on Sunday evening.

That will be a decision which will be difficult. Ten Hag has huge pressure to win this game now, and Ronaldo is not one who shies away from pressure.

Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo (Alamy)

However, Martial was one of United's best performers during pre-season and the manager admitted that he would've started against Brighton had he been fit.

Another big decision Ten Hag will likely make is who will start in the middle of midfield for him. Both Scott McTominay and Fred were major reasons behind United's poor performance on the opening weekend.

After moving deeper once Ronaldo entered the fray, Eriksen showed his capability to dictate play and progress the ball forwards. He will most likely take a position in the midfield pivot.

Lisandro Martinez has been touted to move forwards into the engine room following the opening day performance, although it's unlikely that Ten Hag makes this change so soon into the season. It could, however, be something that we see if midfield performances continue to disappoint.

Manchester United's predicted XI vs Brentford

David de Gea;

Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw;

Christian Eriksen, Fred;

Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford;

Cristiano Ronaldo