Manchester United v Brentford: Key stats and talking points

Manchester United aim to take a step closer to securing a return to the Champions League as they face a Brentford side with European aspirations of their own. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of Monday night's clash at Old Trafford (20:00 BST).

Fernandes continues to inspire United

After only one win in four, the first small murmurs of discontent about Michael Carrick's suitability to take on the Manchester United role permanently were aired ahead of last weekend's trip to Chelsea.

They were far from perfect at Stamford Bridge, having less shots and only one on target, an expected goals tally of 0.29 compared to Chelsea's 1.55 and just 10 touches in the opposition box, but the three points were all that mattered as their 1-0 win edged them ever closer to a Champions League return.

The eight wins they have amassed in 12 league games under Carrick is as many as they had managed across their first 21 matches of the campaign, while the 28 points they have secured in 2026 is more than any other side.

The Chelsea win marked the 21st successive top-flight game in which they have scored, their longest such run since doing so 23 times under Sir Alex Ferguson between November 2012 and April 2013.

The Red Devils were once again indebted to the creative brilliance of Bruno Fernandes as their captain laid on an 18th top-flight assist of the season to further his claims to be named PFA player of the season.

He is only the fourth player to create 10 assists in a Premier League season away from home, while he is now just two shy of equalling the all-time record for assists in a season.

[BBC]

Draw specialists Brentford still dreaming of Europe

Brentford enjoyed a superb 3-1 win over Manchester United back in September and are now targeting a first victory at Old Trafford since 1937.