Manchester United and Brentford are set to meet this Saturday in a Premier League clash that holds significant implications for both sides. With contrasting narratives surrounding each team’s start to the season, the fixture promises to be a test of Manchester United’s resolve and Brentford’s potential to continue their impressive form.
- Date: 19/10/2024
- Kick-off time: 15:00
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
Manchester United’s start to the 2023-24 Premier League campaign has been underwhelming, to say the least. With just eight points from their opening seven matches, the club currently sit 14th in the table—a position far below the expectations of their supporters and hierarchy. The struggles United have faced this season are all too familiar for fans who watched the team stumble through similar issues last year. Despite finishing the previous season on a high by winning the FA Cup against cross-city rivals Manchester City, the optimism surrounding manager Erik ten Hag’s project has quickly dissipated.
A primary concern is that Manchester United seem to lack a coherent tactical identity. Despite having a squad filled with talented individuals, Ten Hag has not yet managed to establish a consistent or effective game model. The team’s performances have been disjointed, with no clear structure that maximises the abilities of key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, or new signings like Rasmus Højlund. While there have been moments of quality, they have been few and far between, leading to growing frustration within the fanbase.
It is no secret that Ten Hag is under mounting pressure. After a summer transfer window that saw significant investment, including the addition of Højlund and Mason Mount, fans expected the team to push on and challenge for a top-four spot at the very least. However, the poor start to the season has led to increasing disillusionment, and reports have surfaced suggesting that Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, alongside co-owners INEOS, have already begun sounding out possible replacements. Thomas Tuchel, currently managing Bayern Munich, has been one of the names linked with the position, adding further speculation to Ten Hag’s uncertain future at Old Trafford.
Given the current state of affairs, this weekend’s match against Brentford has become a must-win fixture for United. Anything less than three points could push Ten Hag closer to the exit door, and a win accompanied by a convincing performance is highly desirable to restore some semblance of confidence in his project.
In contrast to Manchester United’s turbulent start, Brentford have enjoyed a relatively solid beginning to their campaign. The Bees sit 11th in the table with ten points from seven games and will feel satisfied with how their season has unfolded so far. Under the management of Thomas Frank, Brentford have consistently proven themselves to be a difficult opponent for most teams in the league, and this season appears to be no exception.
While Brentford have lost a couple of key players to injury, they have navigated those challenges well. The only defeats they have suffered this season have come against Big Six sides—highlighting their ability to compete against the rest of the league. As their fixture list begins to ease slightly, Frank’s side will be optimistic about stringing together a good run of form and pushing for a top-half finish, or perhaps even challenging for a place in European competitions.
One of the standout aspects of Brentford’s season so far has been their knack for scoring early goals. Remarkably, they have netted within the first two minutes in each of their last four games. This quick-fire approach not only puts pressure on opponents from the outset but also provides Brentford with a solid foundation to control matches. It will be interesting to see whether they can replicate this in the hostile environment of Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo has been the driving force behind Brentford’s attacking threat this season. The forward has been in outstanding form, scoring six goals in seven matches, making him one of the league’s most in-form players. His pace, movement, and ability to finish in key moments have made him Brentford’s primary offensive weapon, and he will likely be central to their strategy against a United defence that has looked vulnerable at times this season.
Premier League 
