Proper football is back!
After a week off to accommodate excruciating England, the Premier League fires up its engines for matchday 8, as United welcome Thomas Frank’s Brentford to Old Trafford.
There could be some breathing room for the manager now, as the United board convened recently and seem to be happy to give the Dutchman more time – meaning it’s unlikely that they would be capricious enough to change their minds after a poor result tomorrow.
However, as fans we don’t know that for certain. Conceivably, he could be one result away from the sack. One thing is for sure, and it’s something we seem to say the same thing every week these days: the pressure is on Erik Ten Hag.
Brentford are no mugs and were minutes away from turning us over at Old Trafford last season, before Scott McTominay’s late double-goal heroics. They have started very quickly in the last four games, scoring goals in the first couple of minutes in each. Make no mistake about it, this could be a very tough game.
United’s last league game represented a season low, getting battered at home by Spurs; a team United traditionally do well against.
We currently have our worst-ever Premier League points tally after 7 games, with 8, and we have only managed 2 draws from 2 games in the Europe League. There have been some promising performances, such as Crystal Palace, Southampton, Fulham and parts of the Brighton, Porto and Liverpool games. But overall, it’s been nowhere near good enough and we’ve rarely exerted any control over games when we’ve been ahead.
Given the players at our disposal, it’s almost certain that we’re underperforming. The question is, is it just a blip, negative variance, or bad luck? Or is it something deeper and more systemic? Does the manager have the ability, the tactics, and the credibility and gravitas with the players to turn it around?
Manchester United Team News
Frustratingly, United have carried on where they left off last season to extent; picking up injuries to several first-team players.
Let’s not use the ‘C word’ just yet though. It’s not quite that bad – but one or two more injuries to key players and we’d be getting into that territory.
The most worrying is Kobbie Mainoo, who is set to miss the next 7 games. Maguire is out, and Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoui – United’s most consistent new signing so far this season – have recently returned to training after a knee injury and illness respectively. It has been rumoured that Jonny Evans could even start in at full back if the Moroccan is on the bench!
Manuel Ugarte is doubtful – he didn’t train with the first team yesterday, instead undergoing a ‘recovery session’.
United remain without Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia or Leny Yoro, although all four are said to be progressing well and nearing fitness.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
Onana;
Evans, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot;
Eriksen, Fernandes, Casemiro;
Amad, Zirkzee, Rashford.
brentford Preview
Brentford are one of those sides that consistently punch above their weight.
The Bees currently sit in 11th, 2 points above United, and in the last four league games have – remarkably – scored in either the first or second minute; taking the lead against City, Spurs and West Ham, but going on to lose lose 2 and draw one of those games respectively. United absolutely must be prepared for a fast start, with the powerful Bryan Mbuemo being a player to watch out for.
They were close to beating us at Old Trafford last season too; 1-0 up heading into the 91st minute, it was only a late, late double-goal hero act from Scott McTominay that saved United’s blushes.
brentford Team News
Brentford have no fresh injury concerns since before the international break, meaning Midfielders Christian Nørgaard and Mikkel Damsgaard are fit to face United, while the weekend’s clash will come too soon for Mathias Jensen and Igor Thiago.
There is an outside chance tricky forward Yoane Wissa will be fit, with a place on the bench looking more likely than a place in the starting 11.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: LLWDLD
Manchester United form (all competitions): WDDLDD
Brentford Premier League form: LWLLDW
Brentford form (all competitions): WLWLDW
Prediction
It’s difficult to predict wins for United at the moment, as they have given us little to shout about in the last few games, save for a few 20-minute periods.
Having said that, tomorrow is a good chance for a rest after the international break, and to move onwards and upwards into a busy period of the season. Despite injuries, United have far better players than Brentford, and are at home. It really is a game we should be winning. Brentford are dangerous however, and it’s easy to see them scoring.
Predicted score: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford
