Manchester United vs Brentford preview, team news, tickets & prediction

Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford for a 2024/25 Premier League Matchday 8 fixture. Here is a preview.

Plucky Brentford are away at Manchester United as they aim to bring back the giant-killing trait which has characterized most of their time in the top flight. 

However, it is fair to say that the Red Devils snatched five points off Brentford last term, as two goals from either side deep into injury time made it a compelling 1-1 draw the last time they met. That was only an extension of United’s dramatic comeback win in the reverse fixture, thanks to Scott McTominay’s late brace. 

The Red Devils have had an eventful 2024 as a campaign that was blighted by injuries to key players saw their protracted takeover come to completion and ended gloriously by FA Cup triumph at Wembley Stadium. 

Erik ten Hag managed their inconsistent form caused by the crippling injury crisis before delivering an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, but their FA Cup victory means they will play Europa League football this season.

Although the Dutchman had to walk on eggshells throughout the season as the pressure mounted, an end-of-season review by the INEOS-led board has entrusted Ten Hag with continuing in his role.

Good performances are required and they must now be followed by results as the manager finally gets significant backing in the transfer window for what is his third season at the helm. Ten Hag will also be desperate for a bigger squad that can compete and fewer injuries to build momentum.

On paper, United have been the second most successful English club behind their city rivals during Ten Hag’s reign and they must now build a side that perfectly suits his identity. 

Regardless of their under-par showings last term, Brentford always put on a compelling physical battle with their opponents and will be raring to go in Manchester. 

After 13th and 9th-placed finishes in their first two Premier League campaigns, they understandably struggled last term. The Bees had a poor season as they finished 16th, losing half of their 38 games and tallying 39 points in the Premier League.

A lot more needs to be done to get back to their usual levels and they will be eager to get started in a London derby against Crystal Palace on opening day. There is no better way to start the campaign on an electric note. 

They have several tough away trips including to Liverpool, City and Tottenham, so it is pertinent that the West Londoners fight for any result they can get to build momentum in the early matches of the campaign. 

Although they have only beaten United once in their three seasons in the Premier League, that one was a significant 4-0 victory in the early days of Ten Hag’s reign and they will be desperate for a statement result at the Theatre of Dreams. 

Match tickets

This Premier League fixture takes place on Saturday, 19 October 2024 with kick-off scheduled for the traditional slot at 3 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on each club’s website but note that season ticket holders and club members will be given priority consideration. 

Old Trafford will provide the backdrop to this intriguing contest and there is likely to be a full house of almost 75,000. The demand for tickets means that official channels may not be able to cater for all their pending requests.

Hence, we advise any supporters still trying to find Man United vs Brentford tickets to get them on a resale site.  

Team news

Man United have been working hard to improve their squad during the summer transfer market as Joshua Zirkzee was made the first signing of the INEOS era in a €42.5million deal. Leny Yoro has also joined for big money despite his preference for Real Madrid, and the Red Devils are still in the market for defensive additions with Matthijs de Ligt reportedly close to signing alongside Noussair Mazraoui.

There is a need for reinforcements in the holding midfield position where Manuel Ugarte is thought to be nearing a move to United. After having an exceptional Copa America campaign with Uruguay, the 23-year-old is a wanted man despite an underwhelming first season at Paris Saint-Germain, as he represents a smart replacement for Casemiro who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer amidst links to the Saudi Pro League. 

Exits are needed to facilitate the conditions to spend more money, and United have already sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille for £26.6m while PSG are interested in signing Jadon Sancho. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof also have uncertain futures and should also be on the move. 

Brentford have signed Igor Thiago from Club Brugge who is an ideal replacement for Ivan Toney in case he leaves this summer. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are reportedly attempting to acquire the England striker who offers proven Premier League-goalscoring ability and is now available on a cut-price. 

Yet, the Bees have since confirmed a meniscus injury to Thiago which means he is likely to be unavailable at the start of the season and it puts Toney’s exit in slight doubt. 

Line-ups

Ten Hag will be desperate to work with a fitter squad this term in order to field his best team more often than not. United will have a much stronger lineup, and at the time of writing, this is as good as they can be. 

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Ugarte, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Frank’s team are known for reverting to their tried and trusted three-at-the-back system with a defensive block and quick counter attacks against the Big Six sides. They will look to profit from errors in possession by launching counterattacks and will be inventive at set-pieces. 

Brentford: Flekken; Roerslev, Pinnock, Collins, Stevens; Onyeka, Janelt, Peart-Harris; Mbeumo, Thiago, Wissa

Prediction

Man Utd have won four of their six Premier League games against Brentford while Thomas Frank’s side will be worried about their poor record against the bigger sides last season.

United are favorites for this game, but it’s closer than some might expect as Brentford are well capable of finally getting the win which they twice failed to hang on to last term. 

Man Utd 1-2 Brentford