The international break has come to an end and we return to club football action in the Premier League on Saturday.
One of the fixtures to lookout for over the weekend is that of Manchester United facing off against Brentford.
Amid speculation over Ten Hag’s job during the international break, the looming threat of being sacked has passed for now, as the new management under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have decided to continue backing the Dutch manager- who’ll be back in action this Saturday.
The international break likely provided some much-needed time away for Manchester United’s players, fans, and managers, who were feeling the pressure for results at Old Trafford. Fans will be hoping for fresh tactics and a more positive approach heading into this week’s game.
United have gotten off to their worst start in over two decades, picking up only 8 points from 7 games, putting them 14th in the table. The Red Devils will want to pick up momentum and start moving towards the top half of the table in hopes of securing at least a place that secures European football for them.
Brentford are doing a solid job under Thomas Frank, having collected 10 points from a possible 21 and currently sitting mid-table in 11th. Much like last season, when Ivan Toney was out for the majority, Bryan Mbuemo has stepped up as the team’s talisman following Toney’s move to Al-Ahli.
Last 5 Games
United have had it rough in their last 5 games, but there’s one positive- the only way is up. They’ve not won a single game in their last 5, drawing 4 times and suffering a heavy defeat against Tottenham. Most fans and critics believe that Harry Maguire’s goal to rescue a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League was the fixture that bought Ten Hag some time.
The strikers have lacked the final product, the defensive midfield spot looks open and as a unit Man United look lost, it’ll be interesting to see if something finally clicks for them on Saturday.
Brentford have shown ups and downs in their last 5, winning 2 and losing two, although one of those wins was against Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup.
While it seems as if Brentford have been below par, it’s important to note that they’ve played their fair share of tough fixtures over the last 5, facing both Man City, Tottenham and also Liverpool early in the season.
The fixture against United marks the end of a tougher period for Brentford who then face Ipswich and Bournemouth in their next 3 games, where they are bound to pick up wins.
Manchester United: 14th
Draw: 0-0 vs Aston Villa
Draw: 3-3 vs Porto (Europa League)
Loss: 3-0 vs Tottenham
Draw: 1-1 vs FC Twente (Europa League)
Draw: 0-0 vs Crystal Palace
Brentford: 11th
Win: 5-3 vs Wolves
Draw: 1-1 vs West Ham
Loss: 3-1 vs Tottenham
Win: 3-1 vs Leyton Orient (EFL Cup)
Loss: 2-1 vs Man City
Team News
Manchester United continue to field a long injury list, Mason Mount who suffered a concussion might return to action but midfield counterpart Manuel Ugarte is set to miss out after he was forced off in late in Uruguay’s game against Colombia. Mazraoui, Yoro and Maguire are all out while Ten Hag will hope for the return of Garnacho, Diallo and Mainoo to bolster his chances of coming away with a win.
Brentford are still missing key players in the form of Yoane Wissa and Rico Henry who are expected to be back only in November. Thomas Frank will hope both Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard can make a return in some form after their muscle injuries.
Possible Line Ups
Manchester United:
Onana (GK), Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Evans, Eriksen, Mainoo, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund
Brentford:
Flekken (GK), Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer, Janelt, Norgaard, Mbuemo, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter, Schade
Head to Head
Out of a total of 7 matches, Manchester United have prevailed victorious on 4 occasions while Brentford once and the remaining 2 have been stalemates.
According to history and numbers, when these two sides face off it results in goals. Four of the last six meetings between these two clubs have produced over 2.5 goals. The least scoring game coming in April last year, a 1-0 win for United.
The last time these two sides met both goals were scored in added time, with Kristoff Ajer scoring in the 99th minute of the game to level it up after Mason Mount’s opener in the 96th minute.
It’s interesting to note though, the last time Brentford picked up all 3 points was in August 2022, where they scored 4 times in the first half to win 4-0.
Potential Deciding Factor
It could all come down to Man United’s finishing. The Red Devils have lacked the lethal touch and have not scored in their last 3 Premier League games. They last went four league games without a goal back in April 1989.
It seems like the attacking options in Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho aren’t taking their chances along with the rest of the team.
Man United have the worst difference between goals (5) and expected goals (11.1) in the Premier League this campaign.
A factor that will a surely play a part is both sides’ defense. Brentford conceded 3 to Wolves last time out and United have looked shaky at the back too. Will Brentford’s pace be able to exploit the gaps in United’s defense and can Hojlund, Rashford and co. find their lethal touch is what it will boil down to.
Predictions
The game is poised to be an interesting, attacking and free flowing game, with the outcome being of immense importance to Ten Hag and his men to gain some momentum.
United’s home advantage could pay dividends if they get off to a strong start from minute one. It’s also worth noting that Brentford have struggled on the road so far, losing all three of their away games. While it’s a small sample size, the pressure to secure their first away win will undoubtedly be felt.
That said, we’re going to see goals from both sides, and maybe some more fluid football from United to get back to scoring ways- we’re predicting a draw for this one.
Our prediction: Manchester United 2 – 2 Brentford
Odds
Man United to win: 8/13
Draw: 16/5
Brentford to win: 18/5
The odds provided by Betfair (subject to change) heavily favour a Man United victory giving them a 61.9% chance to emerge victorious. Other betting sites like 1xBet and Ladbrokes also back a Manchester United win
Kickoff and Match Officials
The match will kickoff at 2pm GMT in Old Trafford. The referee for the game is Sam Barrott while the VAR will be managed by David Coote.