By Manchester United will look to break their five-match winless run across all competitions when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford for a Premier League fixture on Saturday afternoon. The Red Devils, currently sitting 14th in the table, are under pressure to improve their form, while Brentford aim to continue their recent goal-scoring prowess.
Erik ten Hag’s position as United manager remains under scrutiny following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, with just eight points from seven matches. The team’s last victory came in mid-September, a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the EFL Cup, followed by four draws and a loss in their subsequent five outings.
Despite their poor form, United can take solace in their strong home record against Brentford, having won their last five league encounters at Old Trafford by an aggregate score of 13-2. Their last home defeat to the Bees dates back to 1937.
Brentford, under Thomas Frank, have developed a habit of scoring early, netting within the first 80 seconds in each of their last four matches. The Bees sit 11th in the table, two points ahead of United, following a thrilling 5-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break.
Team News:
Manchester United are dealing with several injuries. Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are ruled out for “a few weeks” with muscle injuries, while Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined. Manuel Ugarte, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount will be assessed before the match. However, Noussair Mazraoui, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo have returned to training and could feature.
Brentford are without Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, Aaron Hickey, and Gustavo Nunes due to injuries. Mathias Jensen is also unavailable. Late fitness tests will be conducted for Yoane Wissa, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Christian Norgaard.
Possible lineups:
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Evans; Eriksen, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Brentford (3-5-2): Flekken; Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock; Ajer, Damsgaard, Norgaard, Janelt, Lewis-Potter; Schade, Mbeumo
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Brentford
Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and Brentford’s recent goal-scoring form, an entertaining draw seems likely. Manchester United are under immense pressure to perform at home, where they’ve lost their last two league games 3-0. However, Brentford’s fearless approach and United’s struggle for consistency make this a difficult match to predict.
Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford’s top scorer with six goals in seven Premier League games, will be a key threat to United’s defense. Meanwhile, United will look to capitalize on their historical dominance over Brentford at Old Trafford to secure a much-needed victory and climb up the table.
This match presents an opportunity for both teams to make a statement as they approach the busy holiday fixture period, with United desperate to turn their season around and Brentford aiming to continue their impressive start to the campaign.
