Manchester United started the season in the worst possible way. Fans protesting against Glazers, a home loss to Brighton, the same old, weak style of play and players who do not look committed to play for the shirt.
United now makes the trip to face the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford had a positive first game, unlike United, where they fought tooth and nail for a 2-2 draw against Leicester City. Christian Eriksen will also go up against his old club, and ten Hag and the Red Devils get another chance to apologise to the fans on the pitch and prove they still have a fight. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
Match Information
- Teams: Brentford and Manchester United
- Date: 13th August 2022
- Kick-off: 17.30 BST
- Managers: Thomas Frank and Erik ten Hag
- Stadium: Brentford (Gtech) Community Stadium
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- Video Assistant Referee: Paul Tierney
Team News
Manchester United
Anthony Martial is still doubtful about the match after missing the opener against Brighton due to a hamstring injury. Apart from Martial; Victor Lindelof, Facundo Pellistri, Brandon Williams, and Phil Jones are still our mid-term absences. Ronaldo was not 100% match fit last week and came off the bench to help United against Brighton. It may very well be the same case this time as well. In some encouraging news, Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho have recovered completely after the match against Brighton and would be available for selection.
Brentford
For Thomas Frank, Mikkel Damsgaard could make his debut for the club. Kristoffer Ajer, Ethan Pinnock and Canos are doubtful to start the match against United. It would be quite interesting to see how the Bees play against Eriksen and the sort of reception he gets from the fans.
Fun Facts
- In thirteen head-to-head matches, United have the upper hand, winning eight against Brentford’s five.
- Manchester United have lost their last 6 Premier League away matches.
- Brentford has conceded at least two goals in their last three Premier League matches.
- Manchester United scored six goals in their last matches against Brentford during the last season.
Manchester United: Predicted Line-Up
Between the goal post, United do not really have a choice but to play David de Gea. His form has been questionable for a while now, especially around claiming crosses and ball distribution. But he would still be the first-choice keeper against the Bees. Martinez had a decent first outing and could partner Maguire again at the heart of United’s defence with Dalot and Malacia as the full-backs.
The midfield seems a little more tricky affair. ‘McFred’ had a disastrous game against Brighton, but Eriksen, when he dropped into midfield, was United’s best player. Against Brentford, ten Hag could go with a midfield of Eriksen and Fred with Bruno Fernandes playing as the number 10.
Up front, it is still a question if Ronaldo would be available to start, but if he does, he will lead the line. In support, Sancho and Rashoford could start. Although youngsters like Garnacho are making quite a name for themselves, we might see him come on as a substitute during the game.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, Eriksen, Fred, Rashford, Sancho, Fernandes, Ronaldo
Brentford vs Manchester United: Score prediction
Brentford has momentum with them, and playing at home would certainly boost their spirits against a United side still trying to find balance. But for Manchester United and ten Hag, this is a must-win to calm some nerves and get their campaign going.
Score Prediction: United to win, 1-2
