There is no peace for Manchester United. The change in the bench and a pre-season with some important peaks – victories against Liverpool and Crystal Palace – had led to the idea of a possible sprint start by the Red Devils. And instead, never was the prediction more fallacious. Erik ten Hag even debuted with a home defeat (1-2) in his first official appearance as coach of one of England’s noblest and most successful clubs. The former Ajax coach, who had made headlines a few days earlier for a squabble – also caught on camera – with a Cristiano Ronaldo who can’t wait to pack his bags and go to a team that will allow him to play in the Champions League, realised how difficult it is to start a new cycle after years of great confusion.
Maguire and his team-mates therefore started the same way as they had finished last season, namely with a defeat. A lively Brighton side were enough to cause problems for a side who showed their old vices at the first opportunity.
Around Old Trafford there is still talk of the market, of disposals and purchases. Ten Hag has asked for a midfielder of the highest level, one who fits his type of play. It is unlikely that the club will be able to get the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, while Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot seems more accessible. In the meantime, in the difficult away match against Brentford CR7 should start again from the bench: Christian Eriksen – expected ex of the match – is likely to be used in the trident together with Sancho and Martial. The Bees, on the other hand, want to continue to impress as they did last year, and their debut coincided with a good draw (2-2) at home to Leicester, showing great character after going 2-0 down. The Londoners meanwhile continue to fish from Serie A: Hickey and Strakosha have just been joined by former Doriano man Damsgaard.
Joshua Dasilva (Brentford Fc Instagram)
The Prediction
Brentford seem to have what it takes to take advantage of Manchester United’s difficulties, which new coach ten Hag for obvious reasons of time has not yet managed to sort out. We advise you to stay away from the result, as the Red Devils’ victory is not as obvious as it seems. Rather there should be no shortage of goals, which in total should be at least three.
Brentford-Manchester United
likely line-ups.
BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Raya; Hickey, Jansson, Mee, Henry; Janelt, Norgaard, Dasilva; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes; Sancho, Martial, Eriksen.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
