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Manchester United take on Brentford in what feels like yet another crucial do-or-die encounter for Erik ten Hag’s side, who lie 14th in the Premier League table.
The Red Devils have only played the Bees 19 times in their history and have come out on top on 10 occasions, drawing three and losing six.
Brentford were last victorious in only Ten Hag’s second match in charge when they crushed United 4-0 in August 2022 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Last season’s encounters were tight affairs where late goals characterised the matches. Scott McTominay scored a late brace last October to give the Red Devils all three points in a 2-1 win, while both sides scored in injury time in London in March to take a 1-1 draw.
Erik ten hag’s future
The Dutchman came out fighting in his pre-match press conference, stating that the media were making up “fairytales and lies” about his future.
Nonetheless, it is clear for all to see that behind Ten Hag’s bravado, his future hangs by a thread at United.
There have been reports that a defeat at home to Brentford would see the former Ajax manager dismissed from his post.
It is thought that United remain in contact with numerous coaching options just in case they need to make a quick decision. Names like Edin Terzic and Ruben Amorim have been discussed in the press as viable options to replace the beleaguered coach.
Thomas Frank’s audition?
One manager who has also been recently linked to the Old Trafford hotseat is Brentford coach Thomas Frank.
The Dane is said to be on a three-man shortlist to take over the reins at the club and is reportedly open to making a switch despite being happy at Brentford.
Frank defended Ten Hag’s record in his pre-match press conference but also labelled United in some ways “the biggest club” in the world. He will know if he inflicts defeat on the side, his chances of getting the United job will only grow.
Brentford have impressed against the Red Devils most times they have played and even Ten Hag admitted that the Red Devils were lucky to escape with a point when they last played in the spring.
The Dane will obviously be motivated to win for his own side but will undoubtedly approach the game later on this afternoon knowing what message a win would send for his chances of landing the highly coveted role.
1937 record
United do possess a long unbeaten record against the Bees at Old Trafford however as they have not lost against them at home in 87 years.
Since the Londoners have returned to the Premier League, United have won every home league match against them.
They cruised to a 3-0 victory in May 2022 when Cristiano Ronaldo scored his last Premier League Old Trafford goal for the club.
Ten Hag has also beaten them twice, 1-0 in April 2023 and 2-1 in October last year.
In fact, Brentford have not tasted victory at Old Trafford since the 13th February 1937, when they won 1-3 in the First Division tie.
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