Manchester United vs Brentford

The stakes are at an all-time high for Manchester United as they entertain Brentford in a must-win Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.

Merely a week after the INEOS-led board made a shocking decision to relieve Sir Alex Ferguson of his club ambassador duties and hand under-fire manager Erik ten Hag a vote of confidence, Manchester United return to Old Trafford amidst the club’s worst seven-game Premier League start since 1989/90 (W2, D2, L3). The Dutchman is walking a tightrope, with the Red Devils heading into proceedings winless in their last three league outings (D2, L1) while lamenting the division’s second-worst scoring record of only five goals. Indeed, Ten Hag’s men have failed to get on the scoresheet in three consecutive Premier League outings, increasing the likelihood of becoming the first Manchester United team to lose three home league matches on the trot since 1978/79.

United’s dire situation could inspire Brentford’s bid to defy their underwhelming H2H record since earning top-flight promotion in 2021 (W1, D1, L4), as should a remarkable 5-3 home win against Wolverhampton on the brink of the international break. That triumph restored balance in the Bees’ Premier League output this season (W3, D1, L3), propelling them two points above their downtrodden hosts. However, manager Thomas Frank troubles his mind trying to find a cure for Brentford’s travel sickness after overseeing three successive away league defeats this term. Each loss saw his side capitulate at least twice, which has been the case on two of their three previous Premier League visits to Manchester United (L3).