Brentford visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon with our hosts facing a third successive home defeat for the first time in over forty years.
Not since 1979 have the Manchester United fans had to trek back to the home counties knowing they’ve lost three in a row but reverses against Crystal Palace (Premier League) and midweek against Galatasary (Champions League) leave them facing that prospect.
The Bees will be sensing blood in the water. Had VAR done what it is supposed to then Sunday’s draw at Nottingham Forest could well have seen all three points earned and Brentford leapfrogging United. Instead, that opportunity now comes on Saturday although Thomas Frank will take heart from his injury-ravaged side’s performance, along with that against Arsenal in the cup.
He used the press conference for this one to give an injury update, although anybody hoping for good cheer should probably look away now. All of those missing are deemed “Long-term-ish”, and “definitely not available for the weekend”. The only slight positive on that front being Ben Mee is described as “Probably the closest to coming back”.
With United currently on the ropes and reeling, one can only presume Thomas will continue with the same team that started against Forest. Two centre backs and the opportunity to pressure down the flanks. Bryan Mbeumo with a wonderful chance to get amongst them given how wobbly the home side’s defence currently looks. In particular at left-back where their problems make Brentford’s look tame in comparison.
Likewise, the communication between new goalkeeper Andre Onana and a fluctuating backline feels shaky. Just look at the ball out that led to Casemiro’s red card against Galatasary as the most recent example.
They’ve lost four of their 7(seven) league games to date whilst let’s not forget, either, that they were 2-0 down at home to Nottingham Forest in just four minutes before eventually hauling that one out of the fire. If ever a ‘big name’ team were there for the taking then it is now. Erik ten Hag is under ever-increasing pressure and the relationship with his players – Jadon Sancho and Harry Maguire as the principal examples – seems to be breaking down in a style that needs him calling in Relate.
That’s not to say Brentford have this easy. Anything but. We all know that despite our own attacking intent, finding the back of the net has been trickier than usual in the last few games. Likewise, the circumstances surrounding Forest’s equaliser were what we will politely call ‘frustrating’. The difference being that the chances are being created whilst the team spirit and feeling amongst the supporters would seem to be largely positive.
Eventually, however, the goals will fly in again whilst the fact we are even talking about Brentford as being in with a great chance of winning away at Manchester United in a Premier League fixture still feels bizarre. Even three years into our top-flight adventure.
Whatever happens on Saturday, this game is going to be huge for so many reasons. Thomas Frank may have a depleted squad but it does make his choices much more defined with the only real decisions being two or three at the back and Maupay or Wissa up top? For what it’s worth, I suspect he’ll stick with more of the same but give Neal a longer run out in the second half.
Roll on Saturday when we find out….
