Frank Christian
OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER — Manchester United is set to host Brentford at Old Trafford this Saturday, with manager Erik ten Hag in urgent need of a victory.
Currently, United is positioned 14th in the Premier League, having secured only two wins out of their first seven matches, which includes significant home losses against Liverpool and Tottenham.
“We remain composed, but we are far from satisfied,” Ten Hag expressed in anticipation of the match.
“This sentiment is shared across the organization—players, staff, and board members. However, we maintain our calmness and stick to our strategy. We are working towards our season goals and believe in our capabilities.”
Brentford sits just two points ahead of United, and they have shown impressive form this season, often catching opponents off-guard with quick goals.
The Sporting News is providing live updates and commentary for the Manchester United vs. Brentford match
Latest live updates | Team news and lineups | Where to watch
Match Score: Man United vs. Brentford
| 1st Half | Goalscorers | |
| Manchester United | 0 | |
| Brentford | 0 |
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee: Sam Barrott (England)
Follow every game and goal via SN’s live Premier League scoreboard
Lineups:
Manchester United (4-3-3): 24. Andre Onana (GK) — 20. Diogo Dalot, 35. Jonny Evans, 4. Matthijs de Ligt, 6. Lisandro Martinez — 8. Bruno Fernandes, 18. Casemiro, 14. Christian Eriksen —17. Alejandro Garnacho, 9. Rasmus Hojlund, 10. Marcus Rashford
Brentford (4-3-3): 1. Mark Flekken (GK) — 4. Sepp van den Berg, 22. Nathan Collins, 5. Ethan Pinnock, 20. Kristoffer Ajer — 6. Christian Norgaard, 27. Vitaly Janelt, 24. Mikkel Damsgaard — 19. Bryan Mbuemo, 7. Kevin Schade, 23. Keane Lewis-Potter
Live Updates, Highlights, and Commentary: Man United vs. Brentford
45 mins: Damsgaard displays fancy footwork, but the cross is too strong for Lewis-Potter. Four minutes have been added, mostly due to De Ligt receiving treatment for a bleeding head.
42 mins: A rare opportunity for Brentford as Mbeumo aims for Evans, but Martinez intervenes effectively, causing an over-hit pass.
41 mins: Garnacho tries a shot on his right, which Flekken deflects back into the danger area. Pinnock clears the ball away.
39 mins: Garnacho continues to pressure Brentford, passing to Hojlund, who shoots wide from a distance.
37 mins: A promising United play ends in a weak finish from Garnacho that fails to find the net.
34 mins: Eriksen’s shot sails over the bar against his former team! Casemiro is involved in a questionable challenge in the box, but it goes without a call from the referee.
33 mins: A clever backheel from Casemiro allows for a blocked shot by Eriksen.
32 mins: Eriksen successfully clears a Brentford set piece that seems below their usual quality.
31 mins: Norgaard takes a shot from outside the box, but Onana makes an excellent save!
30 mins: Van den Berg manages to recover expertly after an awkward moment under pressure.
29 mins: Fernandes attempts to volley a pass and goes down, still limping afterward.
26 mins: Flekken claims the ball from a corner and swiftly transitions it forward, while Dalot manages to defend well against Mbeumo.
25 mins: A patient build-up from United ends with Garnacho forcing a save from Flekken.
21 mins: United earns another corner, and after some commotion in the box, Flekken barely manages to block a close shot from Hojlund.
17 mins: United’s midfield struggles, allowing Brentford to break through momentarily.
16 mins: De Ligt has rejoined the play after treatment, and Eriksen clears a Brentford attack.
14 mins: De Ligt is bleeding and receiving treatment as the game resumes. Some chaotic moments occur near the sideline.
11 mins: De Ligt requires medical attention after clashing heads with Schade.
7 mins: Mbeumo shoots over the bar after sizing up Martinez, signaling Brentford’s attacking intent. Garnacho’s cross meets a similar fate with Van den Berg blocking effectively.
3 mins: Almost a quick goal for Brentford! Lewis-Potter’s cross is mishandled by Schade, allowing Martinez to clear the danger.
2 mins: Fernandes sends a promising ball into the box, collected easily by Flekken.
Kickoff: 1st Half
The match begins with United controlling possession, an effective strategy to prevent Brentford from scoring early.
1 min before kickoff: Brentford makes a tactical adjustment as they prepare to attack towards K Stand.
4 mins before kickoff: The teams enter the pitch to the familiar tune of “This Is The One” by the Stone Roses, as Ten Hag hopes for an uplifting performance.
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The Brentford players are wearing their stylish light pink shirts paired with purple shorts today.
15 minutes until kickoff: As kickoff draws near, Old Trafford is beginning to fill up. The crowd’s mood is a mix of quiet anticipation and whispers. It seems Ten Hag’s squad will need a strong start to engage the fans, perhaps something akin to Brentford’s approach?
40 minutes until kickoff: With Martinez starting, Diogo Dalot will play in his natural position, giving him a chance to shine. Over recent seasons, Dalot has proven to be one of the few standout acquisitions at Old Trafford and is featured on today’s matchday cover. He shared heartfelt sentiments for the United supporters.
Playing for a club you’re passionate about creates a special bond. The more time you spend on the pitch, the more you understand the joy it brings the fans, and you start to feel a part of that.
1 hour until kickoff: Brentford’s lineup is announced. Striker Yoane Wissa is back on the bench after recovering from his injury, while Mathias Jensen remains out. Assuming Martinez plays left-back, his match-up against Bryan Mbeumo will be crucial. Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the Brentford winger.
Your Bees to face United #MUNBRE pic.twitter.com/Narjbl80hf
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 19, 2024
1 hour 15 minutes before kickoff: The teams have been revealed. Lisandro Martinez makes his return to the United defense, likely playing left-back, while Diogo Dalot reverts to his usual role on the right. Alejandro Garnacho is fit enough to start after his knee issue, but Manuel Ugarte will be on the bench.
Your United XI to take on Brentford #MUFC || #MUNBRE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2024
1 hour 20 minutes until kickoff: In the Old Trafford press room, highlights of last season’s thrilling 2-1 victory for United are being replayed. Scott McTominay made a remarkable impact, scoring twice in the last moments to turn the game around. Now with Napoli, his absence could be significant. Who will rise to the occasion for United today?
2 hours before kickoff: Welcome to The Sporting News’ live updates for the match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag managed to keep his position during the international break, but a win is essential for him today.
Match Start Time
The Premier League game will begin in Manchester, UK at 3 p.m. local time.
Here’s how this time corresponds to different regions:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA/Canada | Sat, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m. ET |
| Australia | Sun Oct. 20 | 12 a.m. AEST |
| UK | Sat, Oct. 19 | 3 p.m. BST |
| India | Sat, Oct. 19 | 7:30 p.m. IST |
Team News and Lineups
Kobbie Mainoo is unavailable due to a knee injury, so Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will play central midfield. Manuel Ugarte has sustained an injury, which limits him to the bench alongside Noussair Mazraoui and Amad.
Defensive issues persist as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are also sidelined. Consequently, Lisandro Martinez will play out of position at left-back, allowing Diogo Dalot to return to the right.
Matthijs de Ligt and veteran Jonny Evans are confirmed as the starting centre-backs following Harry Maguire‘s absence.
Manchester United Formation (4-3-3): Onana (GK), Dalot, Evans, De Ligt, Martinez — Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen — Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford
Substitutes: Bayindir (GK), Lindelof, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Amad, Antony, Ugarte, Wheatley, Fletcher
For Brentford, Mathias Jensen, who scored against United last year, is out due to a calf injury, while Rico Henry is expected to be unavailable until November. However, Yoane Wissa returns to the bench after a three-match absence.
Injuries also sideline Joshua Dasilva (knee), Igor Thiago (knee), and Gustavo Nunes (back).
Brentford Predicted XI (4-3-3): Flekken (GK) — Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer — Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard — Mbuemo, Schade, Lewis-Potter
Brentford Substitutes: Valdimarsson (GK), Wissa, Carvalho, Mee, Yarmoliuk, Meghoma, Konak, Trevitt, Roerslev
Viewing Details
Here’s how to catch the match in various parts of the world:
United States:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: Peacock
Canada:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: Fubo
Australia:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: Optus Sport
India:
- TV channel: Star Sports Select 1
- Live stream: Disney+, Hotstar, JioTV
UK:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: —
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