A burning nightmare or a dream night, depending on where the club’s sympathies are.
Manchester United say they want to return to the top.
Brentford has shown that they want to win.
As Ben Foster described it that day:
– You are not afraid to face United. Quite the contrary, it makes one mark because it is possible to harm them in a way that does not work against other big clubs.
The former Watford goalkeeper knows what it feels like to be run over Manchester United on the homeland. Saturday night at Brentford Community Stadium wasn’t the first, second or third time the club had collapsed in a humiliating fashion. It’s a bad story that seems to repeat itself no matter who stands on the sidelines.
The phrase “the other team wants more” is perhaps one of the most used cliches in football. Frankly, Brentford wanted more today. The home team pressed more, made more rounds and ran a total of five more kilometers in the first half.
United certainly provided the first two late goals through goalkeeper David de Gea (whose feet weren’t simply made for the Ten Hag ball) but it wasn’t by chance.
two similar clubs
Brentford and Brighton, who defeated United in the opening match, remind us of each other. These two clubs are run with a long-term mindset and focus on smart recruitment, despite limited resources compared to many of the league’s rivals.
It is said that Thomas Frank carefully studied Graham Potter’s master classes at Old Trafford. Then the Dane devised a more complex but at least effective game plan: put the ball on the left flank, try to rock the United players in the pressing game and take advantage of the established positions. Believe in yourselves.
Man United may have left the good room at this point, but player material should of course be able to win away to Brentford. Especially after signing the best player in the opponent from last season, Christian Eriksen.
Can Tin Hag adapt?
When Eric Ten Hag arrived in Manchester, many – myself included – wondered if these players would manage to adapt to the structure that the Dutchman used to work under Ajax. Perhaps the question should be in reverse, can Tin Hag adapt to United’s staggering structural problems in management?
Jon Murtaugh has not shown many signs over the summer that he is the right director of football to lead Man United. When newly wealthy Newcastle set out in search of an able leader, it was no surprise that they ended up on the south coast. Dan Ashworth’s purchase of Brighton has taken a while, but it will probably be worth every penny.
It is truly amazing that in just a few weeks the owners of Newcastle have figured out how to build a successful club from the ground up. All while Manchester United still stands and wonders at his scalp as they witness their decade-long meltdown.
He probably enjoys it more
Erik ten Hag may not be the answer. It’s hard to see, for example, another former candidate, Antonio Conte, allowing 0-4 away at Brentford in an equally naive way. On the other hand, the Italian, with his demanding image, has certainly upset the United management so much that he quickly walked out the back door.
Thomas Frank, Pontus Jansson and above all Josh DaSilva will enjoy a hot Mediterranean evening at Brentford Community Stadium. The latter fought through a serious injury that was about to end his career, and now he scored two goals in two matches.
Opponents are not afraid of Man United, regardless of materials or budget. This is almost the biggest concern of the big club.
