After a dismal start against Brighton, United found themselves in even deeper ruins on Saturday when Bryan Mbeumo slotted Brentford’s 4th goal of the afternoon past David de Gea, at the 35 minute mark. United now sit rock bottom of the Premier League, with this season’s start being their worst ever. Though fans expected things to change from the previous season, it is clear the ten Hag needs some time to develop the squad. In this article, we’ll look at 5 things we learnt after Brentford thrashed United on Saturday.
1) United easily crumbling under Brentford’s pressure
Whether it’s Rayo Vallecano or Brentford, United never look comfortable when pressed high. Ten Hag has told the players to play out from the back, but they are incapable of pulling that off. Brentford’s relentless pressing proved to goof for United. Their support was magnanimous, and their fortress made United lose all hope inside 35 minutes.
2) Lack of Belief vs Brentford
When going forward, United look obsolete. Players look like they don’t know what to do with the ball in the final third, and wait for the perfect opportunity to try something. Fernandes had similar chances against Brighton and Brentford, but skied both the shots. Rashford and Sancho are identical with their output on the wings – no threat created on David Raya’s goal. Ronaldo had a couple of good chances but none turned into a goal.
If a manager can make his players believe that they can get a result against United, they most surely will.
3) New signings not enough
Although United have signed quality players, they certainly are not enough. Malacia was benched for Luke Shaw, Eriksen was average in the match, and Lisandro Martinez was subbed off before 2nd half. Before the transfer window, the priority signings for United were a Central Defensive Midfielder, a Right Winger, a Striker and a Right Back. None of those positions have been filled, and United are headed for big trouble in Gameweek 3 when they host Liverpool at home.
4) Board is too casual about business
Though Richard Arnold was looking dejected at the Brentford Community Stadium, there seems to be no acceleration whatsoever in signing new players. It feels like the board too have given up on this season and are focusing on the long term and waiting for the right time to sign players like Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot.
5) De Gea’s unnecessary errors vs Brentford
We all have praised De Gea’s heroics in the past. He has saved United’s back multiple times. However, De Gea has a weird knack of conceding goals that should be easily saved. When he conceded the first goal from the measly shot from Josh DaSilva, that let the whole team down, who were actually controlling possession and playing quite well until then. Coming out and apologizing in the post match press conference is not enough from United’s number 1. If this continues, it won’t be long until Heaton gets his chance to play for Manchester United. Dean Henderson, who has impressed at loan club Nottingham Forest, could also be handed the number 1 role for good next season.
Conclusion
This season feels like an all time low for United – and it most likely will be. Erik ten Hag needs to be given time and money to put United at the top again. Ralf Rangnick was right- we need maybe 10 new players to make things work again. The right backing is required, and there needs to be a clear vision. It’s a shame that we have John Murtough instead of Rangnick who is making our football decisions.
If United fans actually pull the #EmptyOldTrafford off, it would be a bold statement as a fanbase. It could really trigger the Glazers’ exit from the club.
