Manchester United vs Brentford Match Preview

Manchester United are looking to find some consistency in their performances as they take on Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The Red Devils’ form has been erratic this season, and they’ll want to get back on track after a challenging early period.

Brentford, meanwhile, will come into this fixture with a plan to frustrate United, especially given their ability to play solid, structured football. United's inconsistent form this season has put significant pressure on manager Erik Ten Hag, who enjoyed a solid first season but has faced difficulties in his second campaign.

After beating Manchester City 2-1 in last year’s FA Cup final, the Glazer family and SirJim Ratcliffe of INEOS Sports group decided to stick with Ten Hag. However, losses to rivals and underperforming in key matches have raised questions about his tactics, squad management, and the impact of injuries.  

One of Manchester United’s most legendary managers, Sir Alex Ferguson, was saved by winning the FA Cup in 1990. The Red Devils board, led by then-chairman Martin Edwards, decided to stick with Ferguson despite mounting pressure after he took imperium in 1986. They believed in his long-term vision for the club, which ultimately paid off.

Ferguson focused on youth development, discipline, and a winning mentality, laying the groundwork for United’s future dominance. While the Scot was under serious threat of being sacked in the early years of his United reign, the club’s decision to give him more time became one of the most defining decisions in football history. It allowed Ferguson to build one of the greatest dynasties in world football, and his legacy at Old Trafford is unparalleled.  

Can lightning strike the same place twice?  The loyal and ardent supporters are becoming overly frustrated. Especially given the team’s high expectations. With rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool performing well, United's struggles are becoming more glaring.

The club invested heavily over the summer, bringing in players like Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro. Therefore, the board will expect results. A win over Brentford would help restore belief and build momentum ahead of upcoming fixtures. 

An important win at this juncture will help keep the squad united and focused on improvement. There have been rumors of dressing room dissatisfaction; results are the easiest way to quash such narratives. Old Trafford used to be a fortress, but that aura has diminished this season. Winning at home is essential to re-establish dominance and build a positive atmosphere at the stadium.  

To grab all three points won't be easy over Brentford. The Bees have shown their usual resilience but haven’t hit last season's highs. Their form has been mixed, but they can still be dangerous with their well-organized defensive structure and counter-attacking threat. Mbeumo is a constant threat on the counter-attack, especially with his pace and finishing ability. He has developed into a critical figure for Brentford, especially since the absence of Ivan Toney who has moved to the Saudi Pro League. His ability to exploit space left behind by United’s defence will be crucial for Brentford.  

It is tricky dealing with the injuries of key players like Aaron Hickey and Christian Nørgaard. However, dealing with the injuries of key players like Hickey and NørgaardBrentford is still a force to be reckoned with. Brentford will look to sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit United on the counterattack through players like Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. 

Bruno Fernandes has found himself on the wrong side of the referee’s book since of late, but much of Manchester United’s success rests on his shoulders. The Portuguese playmaker has often been the team's creative spark, and his ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes will be essential. His leadership and eye for goal make him a critical figure in this clash.

The Reds will be relying on him to provide the magic in midfield. The Red Devils will likely focus on controlling possession and pushing Brentford back, utilizing Fernandes and Marcus Rashford’s pace in transition. 

Manchester United and Brentford have had relatively few encounters in top-flight football due to the Bees' limited time in the Premier League. However, their meetings in recent seasons, along with earlier cup and league clashes, have provided some interesting results.

Before Brentford's promotion to the Premier League in 2021, the clubs had not met in league competition since the 1946-47 season. They had a few encounters in domestic cup competitions, but Manchester United generally dominated those meetings. 

Both teams have played nineteen games, with Manchester United winning 10, Brentford winning six and three draws. The Red Devils have not lost to the Bees in their last three games, drawing one and winning two.

The visitors might be licking their chops as they remember that stunning 4-0 thrashing of United in 2022. Thomas Frank's men capitalized on early United mistakes, with goals from Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Ben Mee, and Bryan Mbeumo in the first half. Both teams are looking to make a statement. United will be hoping to maintain their dominant record at Old Trafford, while the Bees will be seeking another upset. 

ALSO READ: Eric Cantona blasts Manchester United over Sir Alex Ferguson Treatment

ALSO READ: Liverpool icon turned United down