Over the summer, Manchester United were fairly open about looking for another manager to come in and replace Ten Hag, and given the start to the season, this has continued to grow around the speculation of the manager being on a limited timeline. Enter Thomas Frank who has quietly been linked in recent years to a ‘step up’ and United seem like a project that need a manager like Frank who can set up a formidable squad using a more sensible transfer approach, and a personality that suits the pressure and intensity of the Premier League.

The clash between the two sides, showed that they’re not a million miles away in terms of quality, with United scraping over the line against Brentford as they’ve become accustomed to in recent seasons. Brentford arguably come away from this with their heads held high, but for United it’s a crucial 3 points on the board which might give the manager a few more weeks.

As always, if you have any thoughts on Manchester United this season or in this specific game, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on X (@NextGoalWinBlog) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Teams

Ten Hag continued with his midfield pairing of Eriksen-Casemiro, and chopping and changing his back 4 continuously, as the forward line struggles to gel perfectly, but it still feels like the strongest XI available, with potential for tweaking tactics throughout the game as Ten Hag tries.

For Brentford, they started with their biggest threat in Mbeumo, while Wissa was called upon in the second half to supplement their attack. With United struggling for consistency, the clash against Thomas Frank’s Brentford was always going to lead to questions around both managers future, with Frank potentially seeing this as a job interview/audition.

Manchester United: Onana, Martinez, Evans (Lindelof 89′), De Ligt, Dalot, Casemiro (Ugarte 88′), Eriksen, Garnacho (Mazraoui 90′), Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund (Zirkzee 74′)

Subs: Bayindir, Amad, Fletcher, Antony, Wheatley

Brentford: Flekken, Ajer, Pinnock, Collins, Van Den Berg (Roerslev 87′), Lewis-Potter (Wissa 66′), Janelt (Yarmoliuk 75′), Norgaard, Damsgaard, Schade (Carvalho 74′), Mbeumo

Subs: Valdimarsson, Mee, Meghoma, Trevitt, Konak

Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

Manchester United ended a difficult spell in style, rallying to beat Brentford 2–1 at Old Trafford. The visitors went ahead just before half-time when Ethan Pinnock rose to power a header from a Mikkel Damsgaard corner, a goal that came amid controversy, as United’s Matthijs de Ligt was off the field receiving treatment for a head injury. The setback left the home side stunned, and the atmosphere tense.

After the break, however, United came out with renewed purpose. Just two minutes into the second half, Marcus Rashford played in a sumptuous diagonal cross that found Alejandro Garnacho, who volleyed home sweetly to level the scores. That strike injected life and belief into the Reds, and from that point they dominated. In the 62nd minute, Bruno Fernandes produced a clever back‑heel flick to free Rasmus Højlund, and the Danish forward coolly chipped over Brentford’s keeper Mark Flekken to restore United’s lead.

The third was almost a formality as United pressed on, though Brentford’s Mark Flekken made several good saves to keep his side in it. Still, United’s resilience, especially in the second half, was the story of the day. The result was not only a morale-boosting win but also a much‑needed one to ease the pressure on Erik ten Hag and reassert momentum in their campaign.

Talking Points

Manchester United finally ended a frustrating run without a win, claiming a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on 19 October 2024. It was their first league win since mid-September, breaking a spell of draws and disappointing performances that had left fans anxious. United fell behind just before half-time when Ethan Pinnock headed in from a corner, but the Reds responded strongly in the second half to take all three points.

The victory also provided a welcome easing of pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. With United’s recent struggles and mounting scrutiny from fans and media, there had been growing concern over the team’s direction. The comeback against Brentford showcased tactical adjustments and a fighting spirit that will lift confidence in Ten Hag’s approach, giving him some breathing room as the season progresses.

Alejandro Garnacho was a standout for United, injecting pace and creativity into the attack. He was involved in the first goal, volleying home Marcus Rashford’s cross to level the score, and looked lively throughout, constantly probing Brentford’s defense and causing problems with his direct runs. Garnacho’s energy and composure in front of goal offered a glimpse of the dynamic threat he can provide as United look to build momentum.