Recovering from a disappointing start to the Premier League season, Manchester United braces for another test at Old Trafford against Brentford this Saturday, setting the stage for a Premier League face-off.
The Red Devils recently faced a 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League midweek, while Brentford secured a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Match Preview
Star striker Rasmus Hojlund candidly admitted the crisis Manchester United faces after his brace against Galatasaray went in vain.
The 10-man Red Devils succumbed to a second consecutive home defeat due to a series of errors.
Heading into the final 15 minutes level at 2-2, Andre Onana and Casemiro breathed sighs of relief when Mauro Icardi missed a penalty.
However, a few minutes later, Icardi delicately chipped the ball over Onana, securing victory for Galatasaray.
Sitting at the bottom of their Champions League group and 10th in the Premier League, murmurs of a managerial change grow louder. However, Ten Hag still has the backing of the hierarchy.
Despite off-field dramas and injuries, defensive mishaps and recruitment issues have played a significant role in Manchester United’s struggles this season.
They suffered a notable defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend, further amplifying concerns.
Five of their last seven matches have ended in defeat. Ten Hag faces the risk of Manchester United losing three successive Premier League games at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time.
Brentford, also facing a challenging period with a winless streak, stands 14th in the rankings.
Although their only Premier League win this season came against Fulham, they have struggled to maintain a clean sheet.
Manchester United fans vividly remember the 4-0 defeat by Brentford in 2022.
However, Man United has a solid record in Premier League home meetings against the Bees, having won without conceding a goal.
Team News
Manchester United faces a considerable injury crisis, with key players like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw out of action.
On the other hand, Brentford grapples with absentees, including Rico Henry and Kevin Schade.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Manchester United:
Onana;
Dalot, Varane, Evans, Amrabat;
Casemiro, Mount;
Antony, Fernandes, Rashford;
Hojlund
Brentford:
Flekken;
Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Hickey;
Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt;
Mbeumo, Maupay, Wissa
Prediction
Our prediction is Manchester United 2-1 Brentford. While Brentford might break their goalscoring drought owing to United’s defensive frailties, Manchester United is likely to come out on top in this encounter.
