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Manchester United will take on Brentford at Old Trafford this weekend in the blackout time for top-flight soccer, leaving British Red Devils fans in the dark. But American supporters will enjoy a match between two sides in completely different moods. Brentford is just one place away from the top half, a significant achievement for the small-market team, while Man United is yet again on the brink of catastrophe after their worst start in Premier League history. Continue reading to access expert Man U picks and explore Man U vs Brentford stats, predictions and a full game breakdown.
- English Premier League
- Matchweek 8
- Manchester United FC vs Brentford FC
- Saturday, October 19, 2024, 10 AM EST
- Peacock, Fubo
Man U Picks: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Manchester United are odds-on favorites to snap their 5-match winless streak and earn a victory at home for the first time since their curtain-raiser against Fulham back on August 16. While the hosts are (-139), Brentford is listed at (+355) to win in 90 minutes. A draw is similarly lined at (+330).
Premier League 
Man United -139 -145 -145 Brentford +355 +334 +340 Draw +330 +330 +330
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about English Premier League odds.
Erik ten Hag Back on the Chopping Block Again
Manager Erik ten Hag has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons yet again after leading Manchester United through 5 straight matches without a win. The feat is arguably impressive considering the Red Devils put up 3 against Porto in the Europa League and still managed just a draw. They were also unable to defeat Twente at home, and drew Crystal Palace despite not allowing a goal.
Ten Hag’s ability to avoid victory is breaking records in Manchester United’s long history. Their 8 points through 7 matches is the fewest in club history, one behind last season with ten Hag (9). While many credit their FA Cup title victory last season as the reason behind ten Hag’s extended tenure, the possibilities outside of the Dutch boss are slim. Manchester United have essentially trapped themselves into sticking with ten Hag at least until Christmas.
Man U’s “bend-don’t-break” style of defense has given keeper Andre Onana considerable issues, and their offense is not keeping up. Difficulties in build-up may be partly to blame for that. I have Manchester United’s home offense projected 12.3% worse than the average Premier League club, and their home defense 27.5% worse.
When making Man U picks in 2024, it is critical to consider the underlying statistics of the club and not just their actual results. They have arguably deserved to lose many of their draws, and the fortress that is Old Trafford is beginning to crumble. Even Crystal Palace managed to win a game in the famed stadium back when Roy Hodgson was still in charge early last term.
Brentford Buzzing Despite Losing Ivan Toney
Brentford’s main star and offensive producer Ivan Toney departed for Saudi Arabia a few months ago, but Brentford seem to be doing just fine without him. They have 10 points through 7 matches and a .500 win percentage. The Bees followed up a disappointing home draw against West Ham with 5 goals in a win over Wolves. Now back on the road, they will look to continue their remarkable stretch of goals in the first three minutes. Brentford have scored 4 times in a row in the opening moments of their domestic matches.
Manager Thomas Frank has galvanized an attacking front that thrives on aggressive passing, and it is catching plenty of teams off-guard. Man United’s sketchy back line could provide the perfect setting for Brentford to strike early again. Look for Bryan Mbeumo especially to capitalize, Brentford’s in-form striker scoring 6 goals in 7 matches so far.
Brentford will likely aim to capitalize on the counter and slice through a disjointed tactical side in Man United. Coming off the international break, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is doubtful to play on Saturday after picking up a knock representing England. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes will represent another valuable loss in the midfield due to a red card suspension. Brentford will be without Yoanne Wissa yet again along with Rico Henry, Igor Thiago and others.
Man U Picks: Free Betting Prediction for Man U vs Brentford
I have Brentford projected at (+163) in this match, making them very slight underdogs. That shows a lot of value on the visitors compared to their current moneyline of (+360). Situationally, I would love a play on Brentford even more if Manchester United were coming off a midweek clash in Europe. But we should have plenty of opportunities to continue fading Manchester United in those situations so long as ten Hag remains at the helm.
While I favor a play on the Draw No Bet market the most, I want to be wary of exposing anyone to too much variance. It’s a tall order for any team to win on the road in the Premier League. But United’s propensity to earn draws recently makes me believe there is still plenty of room for Brentford to at least earn a result in Manchester this weekend.
Therefore, I will recommend a play on Brentford in the Asian Handicap market. At +0.5, we can get Brentford to win or draw at decent plus-money of (+125). My projections have this at (-157), so I like this play a lot and will advocate it for a full unit.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
Top Sportsbooks for Man U vs Brentford
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