Ex-Manchester United striker Michael Owen is expecting his former club to record a narrow victory when they travel to the Brentford Community Stadium.

The BT Sport pundit has not been impressed by the Bees’ recent form and he believes that, despite losing a two-goal lead against Aston Villa at the weekend, Ralf Rangnick’s side will secure the three points this evening:

“Ralf Rangnick will be gutted to not hold on to the win against Villa. They were in control of the game, so to not get the win was a blow. The positive would be that Bruno Fernandes looked back to his best. He’s not been up to his usual standards this season, but he took his second goal with a calm finish. Man United are clearly having defensive issues, so I can see them conceding here. I don’t think Brentford can score more than one though and I think United will win this.”

Owen has gone with a 2-1 win to the Red Devils, which seems like a fair prediction. Brentford have only won once in their last five games, but their home form is still pretty good so this won’t be a straightforward fixture.

They have drawn 3-3 with Liverpool and lost narrowly to Manchester City and Chelsea on their own patch. It means United will have to be ready for a fight or they will come unstuck.

If they do harbour ambitions of finishing in the Champions League places this season, though, these are the sort of matches you have to win.