But he can ease it with a victory today against Brentford.
Manchester United vs Brentford odds
Here are the latest match odds for Manchester United vs Brentford odds from our top-rated football bookies:
⏩ Quick betting tips for Manchester United vs Brentford
Manchester United vs Brentford betting preview
It’s now 10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United but their fans remain pining for the glory days.
For the umpteenth time since the depearture of ‘Fergie’, the Red Devils are back in a state of flux, struggling in the short term and, perhaps most worringly, many are wondering what the club’s long-term strategy is.
Of course, many blame the Glazer ownership but, in the here and now, focus is very much on Erik ten Hag, a coach who arrived with a glowing reputation but one who’s shine has come off in recent weeks.
To be fair, he’s not been helped by injuries, especially in defence. As a result, ten Hag is yet to field new signing Sofyan Amrabat in his preferred midfield position. Another new boy, Rasmus Hojland, is only just bedding in, although the expectation on the 20-year-old’s shoulders appears to be unrealistically high.
Given the circumstances, it makes backing the hosts at odds-on rather unappealing with Brentford a side more than capable of troubling them.
While it’s been a disappointing start from the Bees after last season’s top-half finish, the fact is they’ve only lost twice in their opening seven games and one of those was against Newcastle.
They too have had their injury issues, while Ivan Toney’s lengthy suspension hasn’t helped, although both Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo have provided real threat in forward areas and they will likely relish taking on a much-chnaged defence which hasn’t received a great deal of protection from those in front.
That back line has conceded the first goal in the last three games at Old Trafford and with keeper Andre Onana also struggling, it’s not hard to see Brentford finding the net.
If they do, they will likely avoid defeat – United have scored multiple goals in only one of their seven league matches so far – and that looks a decent betting angle.
📝 Manchester United vs Brentford key stats
- After their worst start to a league season since 1989, United are bidding to avoid losing three in a row at home for the first time since 1979.
- In all competitions, United have conceded 18 goals in their opening 10 games of the season – that is their highest such tally since 1966.
- Brentford are currently the Premier League’s draw specialists – they are the only side to have drawn four of their opening seven games. They have won only once.
- Antony returned as a substitute in midweek so could come into United’s XI. Sergio Reguilon is a doubt as the Red Devils’ injujry problems continue with the likes of Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lisandro Martinez all still sidelined.
- Brentford are also struggling with injuries with Rico Henry and Kevin Schade long-term absentees. Josh Dasilva, Ben Mee, Mikkel Damsgaard and Shandon Baptiste are also set to miss out.
Manchester United vs Brentford best bets
Draw/Brentford double chance
These are not good times at Manchester United.
Tuesday brought a home defeat to Galatasaray, adding to recent Old Trafford losses against Crystal Palace and Brighton.
Too many goals are being conceded due to a combination of a flaky midfield and an injury-ravaged defence and Brentford are good enough to add to the hosts’ woes.
They’ve avoided defeat in five of their seven games so far and look a decent price to improve the stat.
⚽ Back a draw/Brentford double-chance market at 6/5 at Spreadex ⚽
Ethan Pinnock 1+ shot
Brentford lead the way for shots from set pieces and set-piece expected goals in this season’s Premier League, while United are in the wrong half of the standings when it comes to set-piece shots conceded.
In the absence of Ben Mee, Pinnock is a man being sought out in such situations and the 6ft 2in centre-back has landed this bet in five of his seven games so far.
This looks a big price that he repeats the trick, while those seeking a nice long shot may well consider backing him to score at a whopping 25/1.
⚽ Bet on Pinnock 1+ shot at 5/2 at bet365 ⚽
Yoane Wissa over 2 shots
Another bet which looks overpriced is for Wissa to have 3+ shots.
United’s defensive woes have already been discussed, while Wissa has managed this in five of eight starts this season.
In the absence of Ivan Toney, he’s a livewire threat at centre forward for Brentford and should provide shots.
⚽ Back Wissa over 2 shots at 21/10 at William Hill ⚽
📺 How to watch Manchester United vs Brentford
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
- Time: 15:00 BST on Saturday, October 7
- Where to watch: Not televised live in the UK.
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