Brentford v Manchester United predictions: Heat could increase on Ten Hag's team

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Brentford v Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 5.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 13-5 Betfred, BoyleSports

Team news

Brentford
Kristoffer Ajer, Sergi Canos and Ethan Pinnock remain unavailable.

Manchester United
Anthony Martial is unlikely to be involved and Brandon Williams is ruled out.

Match preview

Temperatures have been rising across England and the heat is set to increase on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who may still be searching for a first win after his team's clash at Brentford.

Ten Hag's appointment on a three-year-contract is part of a long-term vision, but United have got through five managers since Sir Alex Ferguson ended his 26-year tenure in 2013.

And the Dutchman will be well aware of the importance of securing short-term results to afford himself some breathing space.

United impressed for large parts of pre-season, which included a 4-0 success over Liverpool in Bangkok.

However, when the serious stuff started last weekend, they were far too easily dismantled by a Brighton side coming to terms with the loss of star players Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella.

Brighton's 2-1 victory was their first success at Old Trafford and exposed obvious faults in a United side which still lacks a clear method and style of play.

Ten Hag's hands were tied to an extent by the absence of Anthony Martial and the lack of fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was deemed fit enough only for a substitute's role.

Christian Eriksen was deployed in more advanced role but it soon become clear that United were lacking a focal point in attack.

They improved after Ronaldo's second-half introduction and there must be a strong temptation to use the Portuguese star from the off in west London.

However, if Ronaldo is utilised at the expense of Fred, as was the case last Sunday, there are risks that a lack of midfield athleticism could leave United's defence too exposed.

United have often been at their best in away games when Fred and Scott McTominay have anchored the midfield.

Brentford may sense an opportunity but they also have issues to address after claiming a slightly fortunate 2-2 draw at Leicester last Sunday.

The Bees were outplayed in the opening half at the King Power Stadium and decided on a system change at half-time, switching from a back four to a three.

They were not in the game until Ivan Toney's 62nd-minute goal but a strong final 30 minutes earned them an unlikely point when substitute Josh Dasilva levelled things up with a superb strike.

Thomas Frank has a few options to consider, with Dasilva and new signing Mikkel Damsgaard pushing for involvement, but he remains short of reliable options in defence with Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock injured and Ben Mee struggling on debut.

It could take a while for Frank to settle on his best team, but Brentford might not have to be at the best to claim their second draw of the campaign.

Key stat

Manchester United have won just three of their last 15 fixtures.

Inside info

Brentford

Penalty taker Ivan Toney
Assist ace Bryan Mbeumo
Set-piece aerial threat Pontus Jansson
Card magnet Ivan Toney

Manchester United

Penalty taker Bruno Fernandes/Cristiano Ronaldo
Assist ace Christian Eriksen
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Maguire
Card magnet Bruno Fernandes

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