Manchester United make unusual change to matchday schedule for clash against Brentford

Manchester United's players will have had a much-needed extra night's rest at home before facing Brentford.

The Red Devils have opted to make an unusual change to their preparations for the Premier League clash with Brentfordtraveling to London on match day.

Erik ten Hag's team usually travels the day before for away games, but they have had the opportunity to change things thanks to a late start time.

United take on Brentford at the GTECH Community Stadium at 8pm, live on talkSPORT, on a busy day of action as the English top flight returns after the international break.

It is the fourth time this season that the Red Devils have been moved to the Saturday night schedule, the most of any team in the division.

But thanks to the extra time they have been given, the players have been rewarded with an extra day at home before flying out of Manchester on Saturday morning.

The decision could be beneficial for several first-team stars who are doubtful for the game due to injury problems.

Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez were facing late physical tests before the game.

The trio will be key in helping Ten Hag exercise some demons from his last trip to Brentford.

In April 2022, United were defeated at GTECH 4-0 in the Dutchman's second game on the bench.

The humiliation caused the former Ajax coach to completely change his tactics and philosophy as players like David De Gea showed that they were not up to the task of their aerial game.

Despite the big adjustment, United finished third in 2022/23, something that seems practically impossible this season.

The 20-time English champions are currently sixth in the standings, nine points behind. Aston Villa in fourth.

Brentford presents a much-needed opportunity for Ten Hag to get three points on the board, with the Bees possessing the worst form in the division – four defeats and a draw in their last five games.