Erik ten Hag has retained the backing of Man United’s hierarchy, despite overseeing a poor start to the 2024-25 season.
However, the pressure will increase on the Dutchman when the Red Devils return to Premier League action following the international break against Brentford on Saturday.
Defeat at Old Trafford would put ten Hag in an even more precarious position, while also enhancing the prospects of a shock contender for the job in the form of Thomas Frank.
Brentford have been quietly going under the radar this season, and they bounced back to form with a dominant display against Wolves before the international break.
Odds
Man United are an odds-on chance to claim a home success this weekend. However, there could be value in either the draw at +330 or the Brentford win at +360.
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Man United | -150 |
| Draw | +330 |
| Brentford | +360 |
United Unbeaten in Home Matches Against Brentford
| Total | Man United | Brentford | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Premier League Games | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Goals | 21 | 12 | 9 |
Man United maintained their perfect home record against Brentford in dramatic fashion last season, with Scott McTominay scoring twice in second half injury time in a 2-1 win.
Early goals have once again been synonymous for Brentford this term, opening the scoring inside the opening two minutes in each of their last four. For a club that doesn’t do things the easy way, the Bees to open the scoring on Saturday looks a fascinating angle.
🚨⚽ TIP: Brentford to Score First @ +175
Man United vs. Brentford Key Stats
- Man United’s eight points from seven matches this season is their fewest in a top-flight season since 1989-90.
- Man United have scored just five times this season; the joint-fewest in the Premier League.
- Brentford scored four first-half goals in their win over Wolves. That marked the first time since their 4-0 win over Man United in August 2022 to achieve the feat.
Man United Team News
Erik ten Hag once again has a headache in the left-back position, with Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Noussair Mazraoui out this weekend. Reports have indicated that Jonny Evans could be forced to play in the unfamiliar role.
Kobbie Mainoo is a doubt, while Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and Leny Yoro are out.
Possible Lineup
Andre Onana (GK); Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund
Brentford Team News
Yoane Wissa remains out for Brentford this weekend, with the striker set to return in November. Mathias Jenson and Joshua Da Silva also aren’t expected back until the end of the month.
Rico Henry also misses out, but Aaron Hickey could be fit enough for a place on the bench.
Possible Lineup
Mark Flekken (GK); Sepp van den Berg, Ethan Pinnock, Nathan Collins, Kristoffer Ajer, Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt, Bryan Mbeumo, Fabio Carvalho, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade
Man United vs. Brentford Prediction
At odds on, it is incredibly challenging to side with United, given their form and continued injury issues this season.
Brentford have already pushed Man City and Tottenham close to their brink on the road this term, and there’s no reason to suggest that their excellent start to the season will end this weekend. There could be more trouble on the horizon for ten Hag.
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