Manchester United are on the verge of equalling a 45-year losing run ahead of Brentford’s visit to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Red Devils come into this clash after their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, piling the pressure on head coach Erik ten Hag.
Despite a swirl of media reports and rumours surrounding his future, the Dutchman has survived October’s international break and looks set to lead Man United out at the Theatre of Dreams this weekend.
Since the 7-0 thumping of League One outfit Barnsley in the EFL Cup on September 17, United have endured a five-match winless run across the Premier League and Europa League.
Following a goalless draw with Champions League-competing Aston Villa prior to the two-week pause, Man United are languishing down in 14th position in the top-flight standings.
Ten Hag’s troops will be looking to enjoy a turnaround of their fortunes at Old Trafford on Sunday, when Thomas Frank’s men make the trip up from West London.
Man United have lost back-to-back Premier League home matches since the 1-0 victory over Fulham on the opening night of the 2024-25 schedule.
A brilliant Luis Diaz brace and a customary Theatre of Dreams goal for Mohamed Salah secured a 3-0 victory for Liverpool over the Red Devils on September 1.
Four weeks later and it was the turn of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur to inflict Old Trafford damage onto Man United, who lost by three goals to the Lilywhites.
Should the Red Devils suffer defeat on Saturday, it will be the first time that they have lost three consecutive home league matches since 1979.
With Premier League points and potentially Ten Hag’s future on the line, Man United cannot afford to get off to a poor start versus Brentford this weekend.
That being said, the Bees have earned a reputation of bursting into contests so far this season, scoring first-minute goals against Tottenham, Manchester City and West Ham United.
The Red Devils will remain without a natural option at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both battling back from their respective injuries.
