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Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer has predicted the outcome of the upcoming Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Brentford. The 54-year-old claimed that the game would be a 'dangerous' one for the Red Devils, who are currently on one of the worst slumps in club history.
United are in the midst of their worst start to an English top-flight campaign in 35 years, with just eight points after seven games (two wins, two draws, three losses). In the process, they have broken their record from last season, when they had nine points at the same stage (three wins, four losses).
Erik ten Hag's side are winless in their last five games, with the 7-0 victory against Barnsley in the third round of the EFL Cup being their last win.
Manchester United's upcoming opponents, Brentford, have made a name for themselves by striking early in games during the 2024-25 campaign. Manager Thomas Frank's aggressive style of play has meant that the Bees have scored inside the first two minutes in their last four EPL fixtures.
Speaking about the match-up, Shearer outlined the threat posed by Brentford and cautioned United against any complacency. In his column on Metro, he wrote:
"This is such a dangerous game for Man United because of the way we’ve seen Brentford start games so fast this season. They caused Man City problems too in the number of players they allowed to join the attacks on the counter."
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. 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. I will go for a draw," Shearer concluded.
Brentford sit 11th in the league standings at present (10 points, three wins, one draw, three losses), two points ahead of Manchester United in 14th place.
"Incredible the amount of scrutiny he faces" - Brentford manager Thomas Frank defends Erik ten Hag ahead of clash vs Manchester United
Brentford boss Thomas Frank spoke out in support of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the Premier League clash between the two sides. The Dane deplored the excessive criticism of the Dutch tactician, stating that he is 'clearly a good coach'.
Although United have been sub-standard under Ten Hag's stewardship, he has managed to win a trophy in both his campaigns in charge so far. He lifted the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup last season, beating city rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the final.
Yet, he has been heavily censured by fans and media after the Red Devils' poor start to the 2024-25 campaign. Speaking about the condemnation, Frank claimed that most of it was unwarranted, saying (via Sportskeeda h/t BBC Sport):
"Incredible the amount of scrutiny he faces - as a head coach we acknowledge how it is to be like this - clearly he’s a good coach - when a team wins the head coach is great if a team lose then the head coach is **** (not)."
Manchester United are set to host Brentford at Old Trafford on October 19, in what is likely a must-win Premier League fixture for Erik ten Hag.
