As Manchester United prepare to face Brentford, the stakes could not be higher for Erik ten Hag and his squad
The match represents a crucial opportunity to turn their season around, but they face a formidable opponent in Brentford, whose aggressive style and fast starts have troubled even the league’s top teams.
Alan Shearer’s prediction of a draw reflects the uncertainty surrounding both teams. For Manchester United, it is a chance to prove their resilience in the face of adversity, while for Brentford, it is an opportunity to further establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League.
The outcome of this match could have far-reaching implications for both clubs as the season progresses.
As the pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag, Thomas Frank’s defense of his fellow manager serves as a timely reminder of the challenges that come with managing a top football club.
While Manchester United’s struggles this season are undeniable, it is important to maintain perspective. Ten Hag has already proven himself capable of winning trophies and building successful teams.
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Alan Shearer: Predicts Manchester United vs. Brentford Clash
In the world of English football, few figures hold as much weight in their predictions as Alan Shearer.1
The Newcastle United and England legend recently gave his thoughts on the upcoming Premier League clash between Manchester United and Brentford, marking it as a critical moment for the Red Devils in their turbulent 2024-25 season.
With Manchester United suffering one of their worst starts to a season in 35 years, Shearer has warned that the match will be a “dangerous” one for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Shearer’s insights provide a balanced yet candid evaluation of both teams’ current forms, highlighting the risks that Manchester United face and the strengths Brentford bring to the table.
Out now ⬇️ @seanlongstaff97 🖤🤍 https://t.co/d5HQzfXpmt
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) October 18, 2024
Manchester United’s Struggles: A Season to Forget?
- Manchester United’s recent form is a stark contrast to the club’s illustrious history. As of now, United have only managed to secure eight points from their opening seven Premier League matches. This dismal return includes two wins, two draws, and three losses.
- This performance marks the club’s worst start to a league campaign in 35 years, with the last time they performed this poorly being during the 1989-90 season.
- The team’s struggles become even more apparent when compared to last season, when they had accumulated nine points by this stage.
- In fact, their current points tally is even worse than last year’s, when Erik ten Hag had already faced criticism for his management of the squad. At that time, the club had three wins and four losses, sitting in a precarious mid-table position.
- With Manchester United currently languishing in 14th place, just two points ahead of the relegation zone, the pressure is mounting on both the manager and the players.
- The club’s only bright spot in recent weeks was a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the third round of the EFL Cup, but even that victory did little to alleviate the growing concerns around Old Trafford.
Alan Shearer Warning: ‘Dangerous’ Game for United
Shearer’s analysis of the Manchester United vs. Brentford fixture focuses on the inherent risks the Red Devils face against a side like Brentford, particularly given the current form of both teams.2
In his column for Metro, Shearer outlined the importance of Brentford’s fast starts and how they could exploit United’s vulnerabilities.
“This is such a dangerous game for Man United because of the way we’ve seen Brentford start games so fast this season,” Shearer remarked. “They caused Man City problems too in the number of players they allowed to join the attacks on the counter.”
Shearer’s words reflect the growing concern around Manchester United’s defensive frailties. With Brentford’s propensity to push forward in numbers and hit teams on the break, United could find themselves in serious trouble if they allow the Bees to dominate the early stages of the match.
Shearer added that Brentford’s bold approach to games could further exacerbate the pressure on Erik ten Hag and his team, particularly if they manage to take an early lead at Old Trafford.
“It’s a difficult game, this one, and I think if Brentford go there, be brave and play their normal game, they can get something out of this one,” Shearer predicted. “If they can get a good start, then you can imagine the pressure that puts on Erik ten Hag and his team at Old Trafford.”
The Pressure on Erik ten Hag
- For Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, this season has been anything but smooth. After a promising start to his tenure last year, the Dutchman now finds himself under significant scrutiny as the team’s performances continue to falter.
- The defensive disorganization, combined with a lack of creativity in attack, has left fans and pundits alike questioning his tactics and leadership.
- The pressure on Ten Hag has only intensified with United’s poor start to the Premier League campaign.
- Despite significant investment in the squad during the summer transfer window, including the high-profile signings of players like Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount, the team has struggled to find cohesion on the pitch.
- Compounding these struggles is the continued absence of key players due to injuries, including Lisandro Martínez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both of whom are critical to United’s defensive setup.
- These absences have forced Ten Hag to rotate his squad more frequently than he would like, resulting in a lack of consistency in both team selection and performance.
- The match against Brentford is shaping up to be a defining moment for Ten Hag’s future at the club. A poor result would likely lead to further calls for change, both from within the club and from the fanbase.
- Conversely, a win could provide a much-needed boost in confidence and help steady the ship as United look to recover from their early-season woes.
A Draw on the Cards? Shearer’s Prediction
Given the current state of both teams, Shearer’s prediction of a draw seems a plausible outcome. He noted that if Brentford can play to their strengths and make life difficult for United early on, they could leave Old Trafford with at least a point.
Shearer concluded his analysis with a cautious forecast: “I will go for a draw.” His prediction reflects the unpredictable nature of both teams this season, with neither side showing the consistency needed to confidently back a win.
For Manchester United, a draw would likely be seen as another disappointing result, further extending their poor run of form. For Brentford, however, taking a point away from Old Trafford would be a positive result, continuing their steady rise in the Premier League standings.
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Alan Shearer: Challenges of Being a Football Manager
Thomas Frank Defends Erik Ten Hag
In football, the life of a manager is often subject to intense scrutiny, and no one feels this pressure more than Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag.3
Ahead of Manchester United’s match against Brentford on October 19, Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, publicly defended his Manchester United counterpart.
Frank, who knows well the relentless nature of football management, stated that the amount of scrutiny Ten Hag faces is both remarkable and unfair.
According to Frank, Ten Hag is “clearly a good coach,” despite the Red Devils’ struggles in the 2024-25 Premier League season. The Dane’s remarks highlight a larger issue in modern football: the disproportionate criticism managers face when their teams perform poorly.
Ten Hag’s Track Record: A Tale of Successes and Struggles
Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has been a roller-coaster. In just two seasons, he led the club to significant successes, including winning the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
His victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final was particularly impressive, as Manchester City has been one of the most dominant teams in Europe under Pep Guardiola.
However, despite these achievements, the Dutch tactician has faced mounting criticism. The 2024-25 season has been especially challenging for Manchester United, with underwhelming performances in the Premier League.
Fan frustration has grown, and the media has pounced on the club’s struggles. Yet, as Frank pointed out, there is more to the story than meets the eye. Ten Hag’s overall record suggests he is a capable manager who, like many in his profession, has faced challenges beyond his control.
Alan Shearer: Manchester United’s Struggles
While Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have had some success, their poor start to the 2024-25 season has led to increased scrutiny.
After a string of disappointing performances, the team currently sits far below their expected position in the Premier League table. Critics have pointed to defensive weaknesses, inconsistent midfield play, and a lack of clinical finishing as key reasons for their struggles.
Injuries have also played a role. Key players have missed significant portions of the season, leaving Ten Hag with limited options.
Furthermore, new signings have not yet fully integrated into the team, and some of last season’s stars have struggled to replicate their form. These factors have all contributed to United’s poor results, but much of the blame has been directed at Ten Hag.
The Weight of Expectations at Manchester United
Managing Manchester United comes with immense pressure, and Ten Hag knew this when he took the job. The club is one of the biggest in the world, with a global fanbase that expects success both domestically and in Europe.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United has gone through several managers, all of whom have struggled to return the club to its former glory.
Despite winning trophies, Ten Hag is still expected to restore Manchester United to its status as perennial title contenders. This is no small task, given the competitive nature of the Premier League and the financial muscle of rival clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea.
The club’s history of success makes any period of mediocrity unacceptable to fans, adding even more pressure to the manager’s role.
Alan Shearer: Brentford’s Own Success Under Thomas Frank
While the spotlight in this upcoming clash may be on Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, it’s important not to overlook the success that Thomas Frank has achieved with Brentford.
Since taking over in 2018, Frank has transformed Brentford from a mid-table Championship side into a stable Premier League team. Under his leadership, Brentford has earned a reputation for playing attractive football and for developing young talent.
Frank’s success at Brentford is even more impressive when considering the club’s limited resources compared to the Premier League’s traditional powerhouses.
Brentford operates with a smaller budget and less financial backing than clubs like Manchester United, yet they have been able to punch above their weight in the league.
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The Importance of the October 19 Clash
The Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Brentford on October 19 is crucial for both teams, but especially for Erik ten Hag. For Manchester United, this is a must-win game.
A victory could ease the pressure on Ten Hag and provide a much-needed boost in confidence for his squad. Conversely, another poor result could lead to increased speculation about his future at the club.
For Brentford, this match represents an opportunity to continue their strong form and to further demonstrate their ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
A win at Old Trafford would be a significant achievement for Frank’s side and would further enhance his reputation as one of the league’s brightest managerial talents.
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