Manchester United host Brentford on Monday night with pundits convinced the visitors will not spring an upset. United suffered a painful 2-1 loss to Leeds United in their most recent Monday night fixture, with Lisandro Martinez's red card compounding the misery. However, a resurgent victory over Chelsea last weekend has lifted spirits as Michael Carrick seeks to steer the side towards European football next season.
A win over Brentford would take United to 61 points in the Premier League standings, establishing an 11-point cushion over Brighton in fifth and virtually guaranteeing Champions League qualification. Several leading pundits are backing a favourable outcome for the hosts, with Ally McCoist also predicting a United triumph.
Alan Shearer expects United to claim all three points, telling Betfair: "Man United dug out a great result last weekend, with that one bit of quality when Bruno Fernandes went down to that right-hand side and pulls it back to Cunha. That was enough to get three points against a woeful Chelsea side. I think they will have enough to beat Brentford at home, so I'm going to say a Man United home win." Shearer added: "Bruno is a quality player. Where would Man United be without him? He has been the one consistent player there for so long now."
Paul Merson, meanwhile, considers a draw a fair outcome, warning that Brentford can cause United as much trouble as Leeds did. Writing for Sportskeeda, he said: "Even if Manchester United fail to get a result here, they would still be eight points ahead of Brighton in sixth-place. But United have to face Liverpool after this game and back-to-back defeats can quickly change things in the table. So this is a must-win game for them." Merson also criticised Carrick's decision to start Benjamin Sesko in the last two games, insisting the forward is best used as an impact substitute.
Harry Redknapp has backed United to win and believes Carrick should not be discounted for the permanent role. Speaking to BetVictor, he said: "United are very well placed for a top four finish and that will be job done for Michael Carrick. It was a bit of a smash and grab at Stamford Bridge last week but that's a testament to the spirit he's instilled into the side. Don't rule out him getting the job in the summer." Redknapp also noted Brentford's unbeaten run but pointed out they have drawn too many games, and highlighted Bruno Fernandes's pursuit of the assist record.
