Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Man United have permanently switched to a 4-3-3 formation ahead of their clash against Brentford

Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Manchester United have switched to a 4-3-3 formation in a bid to rectify their form.

The Red Devils have used a 4-2-2-2 formation for the majority of the season but the German confirmed the change in Tuesday’s press conference.

‘We have now decided to play a 4-3-3 like we did against Aston Villa, with one holding six, two eights and three offensive players,’ Rangnick said.

Against Steven Gerrard’s men, Fred and Bruno Fernandes played either side of Nemanja Matic in a midfield three, with the Portuguese netting his first Premier League goals since the start of December in the 2-2 draw.

It is likely that the German technician will make tweaks to the side that started at Villa Park for the clash with Brentford on Wednesday night.

On the left-hand flank, Luke Shaw is back from a one-game suspension and should come back in for Alex Telles, while at centre-back captain Harry Maguire could well be introduced in place of Victor Lindelof after being an unused substitute in the West Midlands following injury.

The England defender is likely to be partnered once more by Raphael Varane, despite the Frenchman coming in for some criticism for his role in Philippe Coutinho’s equaliser at the weekend.

On the right-hand side of defence, Rangnick confirmed Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to miss the trip to London with the same illness that ruled him out of the visit to Villa, meaning Diogo Dalot is likely to get another run out.

In midfield, it is difficult to see how Fernandes will be displaced given his double against Villa, but Scott McTominay’s return from a one-match suspension could see him replace Matic.

Up front, the Red Devils will have to continue without the help of Cristiano Ronaldo, who once more did not travel with the squad to London for the game at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Anthony Elanga could therefore continue on the left-hand side of the attack, particularly as Rangnick said £73million summer signing Jadon Sancho is fighting a mental battle to live up to the hype and price tag at Old Trafford.

The England star could replace international team-mate Mason Greenwood – albeit unlikely – while veteran forward Edinson Cavani is set to get the nod up front once more.