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Man Utd win 'will have calmed some nerves'published at 16:57 21 October
16:57 21 October
Image source, Getty Images
The BBC's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your Premier League questions.
Mick asked: If there had been a suitable available candidate, would Manchester United have replaced Erik ten Hag?
Phil answered: Hello, Mick. I think if we are framing this question in the summer then the answer would have been “yes”, because it is accepted they spoke to candidates such as Thomas Tuchel, which suggests they were looking for alternatives.
When the question arose recently, we must accept United stuck by the decision they made in the summer to stick with Ten Hag – and the win over Brentford on Saturday will have calmed some of the nerves around Old Trafford.
Marcus: This was the first match that I've enjoyed watching United play for a long time. Still a little confused by the lack of intensity in the first 15 minutes but the rest of the game was a real pleasure to watch.
Jonty: Miles better today, especially second half. Rashford worked really hard on the right and didn't sulk when filling in at full-back when Dalot made his runs. Looked like there were some tactics in play, while De Ligt and Evans were great. Martinez looked comfortable at left-back. Zirkzee looked asleep, but Rasmus played a great number nine game. Onwards and Upwards.
Terry: Second half was easily the best performance of the season. De Ligt looking like the class act we were told he is. Garnacho outstanding but good performances all over the pitch including the much maligned Casemiro and Eriksen. Question is - can they keep this up into the coming weeks?
Brentford
Kyle: We played well, but overall I think Mbeumo’s sloppy performance maybe cost a goal or two. I think Schade played well at centre forward, and we missed Wissa (until the last 20 mins or so). We also missed Jensen with his creativity. Overall, our defence was at times scrappy and made a few mistakes, but it was expected to not get all three points against Man Utd.
Jason: I took my mate Jim to his first away game and it was disappointing for all of us. United were ripe for the picking and we let them off again. I hate to say it but it could be time to look for a new manager. Come in Mr Frank, your time is up!
Mikey: Brentford need a goalkeeper not a converted full-back. When Raya left I don’t understand why Brentford didn’t just trade contracts for Ramsdale. Massive blunder.
Gossip: Man Utd to battle Real Madrid for Daviespublished at 07:47 21 October
07:47 21 October
Manchester United are aiming to convince Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, 23, to choose them over Real Madrid when the Canada international's contract expires at the end of the season. (Fichajes – in Spanish, external)
United may loan Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee, 23, to Juventus if they sign RB Leipzig's Slovenian frontman Benjamin Sesko, 21, next summer. (Tuttomercato – in Italian, external)
Ten Hag's positive daypublished at 19:56 19 October
19:56 19 October
Simon Stone at Old Trafford Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It was a good day for Erik ten Hag.
Quite often recently, the Manchester United manager has been a beleagured figure, making arguments that don't quite make sense to defend his team or make them appear to be something they are not.
There is a lot of work ahead before the current 'crisis' can be regarded as being over. Peril is everywhere, starting with a meeting with former United boss Jose Mourinho in Istanbul on Thursday.
But, other than maximising their chances, which still didn't happen against Brentford, and defending the corner where the visitors scored their goal better, United did well.
They were reasonably in control in the first-half despite Thomas Frank arguing Brentford were the better team, and they never really looked in danger in the second, even though their advantage was slight.
Bizarrely, that is three games without defeat now - or one defeat in seven. What they have to do now is string a run of victories together.
Today was a start. United deserve credit for it. But they need to do much more.
More room to breathe for ten Hagpublished at 18:51 19 October
18:51 19 October
Sarah Mulkerrins Final score reporter at Old Trafford
Image source, Getty Images
Some of the crowd were singing Erik Ten Hag's name at full time, and I'm sure it was a relief for him that it was in a good way. Under all the pressure from a lack of form and an absence of goals, it was his team's second half character along with the quality of their goals that will give him, the team and fans a huge lift.
This run of fixtures sandwiched in between the October and November international windows could have Manchester United in a much healthier place by the next break if they kick on from this. Ten Hag said afterwards not to overrate this result, it was just a win.
But they will need consistency, their first half was ponderous. But, there's no doubt that their attack in the second half was sharp, energetic and full of quality, with a special nod to Alejandro Garnacho. Rasmus Hojlund too will take huge confidence from his first league goal of the season and will target more. So a little bit more room to breathe for Ten Hag, as long as the results continue.
'Everyone was angry, we used that as fuel'published at 18:09 19 October
18:09 19 October
Image source, Getty Images
Erik ten Hag spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Manchester United's victory against Brentford: "We are happy to win the game. At United, you have to win games but also to bring entertainment. I think for everyone it was an enjoyable afternoon. Especially the way it happened, when you concede an unfair goal. In the second half we showed we are together, we showed determination and we scored two beautiful goals.
On Brentford's goal: "We didn't know why the referee brought one of our players in a critical moment off the pitch. It was dry blood - it happened before. Then in a critical moment on a corner from them - which is their strength - they bring one of our best headers off and then Brentford take benefit from it. Of course then you are frustrated.
On his side's response: "Everyone was angry. We took that as fuel. We showed with a quick start in second half that we wanted to put things right and we did with two beautiful goals.
On changes in the second half: "Always there are some slight changes. We needed to fill the pockets better. Then you have a better structure to create chances but also to counter press so we could control games. We showed a little bit a better structure second half but the first half was not bad. We also had good moments and produced good chances where we did not score. In the second half it changes when you score and everyone is happy. You see the motivation and confidence is growing. This is what this team needs. It was difficult for us to score in the last weeks.
On 'noise' over his future: "My focus is only on this. What everyone is writing is coming off my shoulders. I can deal with this. The players only have to think about the team performance, to have the right work ethic, to put everything in that they have. I know they are brilliant players. if you are determined then we will score goals and bring in wins. That's what everyone expects.
On the support of the fans: "I'm really happy for our fans. They are always behind us, even when everyone is against us. They stick with us and always support us. We say thank you to them today for being so behind us. I think they were one of the reasons for the quick start after half-time."
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
Sutton's predictions: Man Utd v Brentfordpublished at 12:02 19 October
12:02 19 October
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week eight, he takes on legendary boxing manager Kellie Maloney.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
I was at this game last season and Brentford scored early, but Scott McTominay found the net twice in stoppage time to nick a win for Manchester United when they did not deserve anything from the game.
This time? Well, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag needs a win, with his side 14th in the table and the joint-second lowest scorers with five goals from seven league games.
Logic tells me that, while Brentford are yet to pick up an away point so far, they are the better team, and have been the better team all season.
We also know the Bees still love an early goal, so they will probably take the lead again... but I just have a gut feeling that United will edge this one again, somehow.
I can’t really tell you why, other than they have to, and also because Statman Dave said this would be 2-1 to Manchester United, so I am taking his advice. Hopefully he is better with his predictions than he is with his stats.
Kellie's prediction: I love what Brentford are doing. Thomas Frank is an excellent manager, who loves the club, but I think eventually he will get a bigger job. 1-3
Ten Hag will be gone 'sooner rather than later'published at 17:33 18 October
17:33 18 October
Media caption,
After two weeks of relative respite during the international break, Erik ten Hag will demand a performance from his Manchester United side to end a run of five games without a win in all competitions.
Former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown tells The Football News Show why he feels the United manager's days at Old Trafford are numbered and why Brentford must be brave ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend
Erik ten Hag could never be accused of sidestepping a main issue.
Quizzed again about his future as Manchester United boss, the Dutchman came out swinging, damning the media for their reporting of his current plight, or at least for those stories that claimed he was on the brink of dismissal.
While he is still in a job, he can still save it.
However, United are 14th. Even Ten Hag accepted that is not good enough.
The Dutchman says United's hierarchy are "on the same page". He insisted that was the case after the draw with Aston Villa immediately before the international break.
But trust and patience only last so long. He urgently needs results.
A victory over Brentford would be the ideal place to start.
Ten Hag on injuries and the media's 'fairytales and lies'published at 13:56 18 October
13:56 18 October
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Full-back Noussair Mazraoui is available but Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire "will be out for a couple of weeks."
Ten Hag said "injuries will not help" the team improve their overall performances and results, but he "can't force" the return of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
On the left-backs specifically: "We want them back as soon as possible. We need a left back that’s for sure. But we don’t want to bring them back and lose them. We have to do it very careful."
He likened United's current task "to climbing a mountain", adding: "Sometimes you have to face challenges but I am sure we will make a success."
On external noise about his position as United boss: "Noise is only coming from some of you in the media, creating stories and fairytales, and bringing lies."
He said that within the club "it is quiet and composed" and if "we stick to the plan, then we are very convinced it will be a success."
On former coach Benni McCarthy's comments that training ground displays are not replicated on matchday: "In general, the players do perform well but we have to start scoring. We have to improve entering the final third and into the box."
Is scrutiny over Ten Hag's Man Utd future fair?published at 09:26 18 October
09:26 18 October
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Before the international break, many Manchester United fans may have wondered if they would still be seeing Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout this weekend.
But, despite the intense pressure on his job two weeks ago and a monthly board meeting that took place among the United hierarchy during the break, the Dutchman returns to take charge of the side against Brentford on Saturday.
So, why the heavy speculation?
Ten Hag was already under scrutiny towards the end of last season, and it was understood the board looked at other potential managerial options as part of a post-season review.
Shortly after FA Cup success against neighbours Manchester City at Wembley, the club triggered an extension in his contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2026.
Despite further investment in the squad over the summer, Ten Hag and his side have endured a less than impressive start to the new campaign.
They are 14th in the Premier League, with two wins and just five goals scored in their first seven games. They have also let leads slip in both of their Europa League games to begin the competition with two draws.
It would seem the United boss is now entering a crucial period before the next international break which could potentially decide his future.
But is the criticism and scrutiny around Ten Hag's position fair?
In the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the club has watched rivals reach the heights they once hit, while managers trying to bring success back to the club have come and gone.
Ten Hag arrived from Ajax following the end of Ralf Rangnick's interim spell in the summer of 2022.
In fact, they have only been the ninth-best team for both goal difference and expected goal difference (xG).
From a points-per-game perspective, in comparison to other post-Ferguson managers, Ten Hag sits fourth with 1.72 - behind Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis van Gaal.
United's net spend since Ten Hag was appointed is only behind Chelsea (£399.6m based on initial disclosed fees).
Image source, Getty Images
