Manchester United

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  1. 'A bad day at the office, again' - pundits criticise Man Utd performancepublished at 15:46 BST 27 September

    Media caption,

    Final Score pundits discuss Amorim after Man Utd defeat at Brentford

    Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has accused Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim of being "too stubborn", after the Red Devils fell to their third defeat in six Premier League games against Brentford.

    "I think because Ruben Amorim is being so stubborn in what he is trying to do, it could be the undoing of him down the line," he told BBC Sport. "We can talk about the owners backing him, but ultimately it is just not working."

    Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch also had a few choice words for the players after the match.

    "Brentford were best in every department," Cole said on TNT Sports. "As for Manchester United, it is abysmal. The whole culture of the club is insipid."

    Crouch added: "Manchester United couldn't cope defensively. Brentford's centre-forward Thiago was causing them so many problems, the centre-backs got bullied at times.

    "They didn't have enough going forward. It didn't feel like they were creating much and they had a really bad day at the office, again."

  2. Brentford 3-1 Man Utd: What Amorim saidpublished at 15:22 BST 27 September

    Media caption,

    Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim spoke to TNT Sports after his side slipped to a defeat at Brentford: "Of course we want to win. We didn't control the game. We played the Brentford's game - first balls, second balls, set pieces. All of the crucial moments were against us.

    "It's tough to lose again, but we need to think about the next game.

    "The first goal was a long ball. We worked on that in the week and we worked on set pieces. We knew the long balls [were going to come], but one touch and they had the opportunity. We need to do better.

    "We didn't play our game. We had control for some moments, but it was more or less all the same. We need to play our game, not the opponents', but they were stronger on that."

    On the pressure of the job after another defeat: "It is always the same to lose at this club, it hurts a lot. We need to think about the next game now."

    Did you know?

    • Since Ruben Amorim's first game in charge in November 2024, no team has conceded the first goal in more different Premier League games than Manchester United (21).

    • Bruno Fernandes has missed two of his three penalties for Manchester United in all competitions this season, having scored each of his previous 11 spot kicks.

    Hear more from Amorim on BBC Sounds

  3. Brentford v Man Utd: Team news published at 11:39 BST 27 September

    Brentford starting XI graphic: Kelleher, Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Hickey, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Damsgaard, Ouatarra, Igor Thiago, Schade

    Club record signing Dango Ouatarra returns to the Brentford side as Keith Andrews' men look to win only their second game of the season.

    Aaron Hickey is also included as Keane Lewis-Potter and Ethan Pinnock drop to the bench as Andrews looks to halt Brentford's worst start to a Premier League campaign.

    Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Hickey, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Damsgaard, Ouatarra, Igor Thiago, Schade

    Substitutes: Valdimarsson, Pinnock, Henry, Lewis-Potter, Milambo, Janelt, Jensen, Onyeka, Ajer

    Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte all return for Manchester United, who are trying to win a second consecutive Premier League game for the first time under Ruben Amorim.

    Amad has been ruled out due to a family bereavement, Casemiro is suspended and Noussair Mazraoui is injured.

    It is the first time Cunha has started along with Benjamin Sesko and former Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in attack.

    Manchester United XI: Bayindir, De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko

    Substitutes: Lammens, Heaton, Fredricson, Heaven, Mainoo, Mount, Yoro, Zirkzee, Leon

    Manchester United starting XI graphic: Bayindir, De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko
  4. Follow Saturday's Premier League games livepublished at 11:36 BST 27 September

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    Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

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  5. Two wins in a row would be massive - Amorimpublished at 22:42 BST 26 September

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United midfielder Casemiro celebrates scoring for Manchester United against ChelsseaImage source, Getty Images

    Even head coach Ruben Amorim accepts winning consecutive Premier League games should not be a big deal for Manchester United.

    Incredibly, it is not something he has experienced in 32 games at the helm.

    United have not won two league games in a row since they followed up a victory at Brighton in the final game of the 2023-24 campaign by beating Fulham on the first day of last season.

    That formed part of a three-match run of victories that represents the only time United have won more than one league match in succession since 18 February 2024 - over 19 months ago.

    It is an astonishing statistic.

    Little wonder Amorim thinks achieving it following up the 2-1 victory over Chelsea by beating another west London side, Brentford, at Gtech Community Stadium can act as a pressure release for his players.

    "I know that for people outside the club it is not a big thing - it should not be a big thing in Manchester United - but I think it's going to help us a lot," said Amorim.

    "It's not about playing well. It's about the way we are going to do the warm-up and the preparation, and if we are excited to go to the game - like we are sometimes when we are at the limit and we have to win some games.

    "I have always had the feeling it's going to be massive for us. It's massive to win this game."

  6. Brentford v Man Utd: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:38 BST 26 September

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport journalist

    Manchester United travel to Brentford aiming to win back-to-back league games for the first time under head coach Ruben Amorim. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes before Saturday's lunchtime match.

    Brentford continue to experience growing pains under rookie manager Keith Andews, with last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Fulham leaving them one point and one place above the relegation zone. They have already conceded 10 Premier League goals this term, which is the third highest total in the top flight and the most by the Bees at this stage of a league season since 2003.

    After the loss at Craven Cottage, Andrews said his side need to improve their game management, pinpointing the concession of two quickfire goals before half-time as the turning point. He admitted lessons will have to be learned, adding: "It's a young squad and we need to analyse that period."

    However, Brentford's inability to hang on to a lead is in danger of becoming an Achilles heel. They have dropped a league-high eight points from winning positions in the current campaign, scoring first in four of their five matches but winning only once.

    With just four points on the board and 10 goals conceded, the Bees have made their worst start to a Premier League season. They will hope to kick-start their campaign with back-to-back home fixtures against the league's two Manchester clubs.

    Brentford after five Premier League games

    'Complicated' United back to winning ways

    Manchester United rebounded from a sobering defeat against neighbours Manchester City by beating Chelsea 2-1 last weekend in a match both sides finished with 10 men. Casemiro's sending off in first-half injury time gave the Blues hope of a comeback and Amorim conceded afterwards his team need to stop making life needlessly "complicated".

    While lapses of concentration are a recurring issue, Amorim can at least take heart from United's improved attacking displays.

    The Red Devils have attempted 81 Premier League shots this term, more than any other side (Brentford rank last with 41). They average 16.2 shots per game in the current campaign, up from 13.9 under Amorim last season, while their expected goals figure has risen from 1.33 per game to 2.03.

    However, supporters have yet to see the best of new striker Benjamin Sesko, who has had a quite start to life at Old Trafford following his £66.3m move from RB Leipzig. He has managed just one shot on target and eight touches in the opposition box in 205 minutes of Premier League action.

    Shots by Premier League clubs this season
  7. Sutton's predictions: Brentford v Man Utdpublished at 18:57 BST 26 September

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    Brentford beat Manchester United 4-3 in this fixture last season, but that was a different Brentford - with Thomas Frank their manager and Bryan Mbeumo playing for them, not for United.

    The Bees are a difficult team to predict now because Keith Andrews has had some mixed results since taking charge - they ended up being out-played by Fulham last week, but they are still unbeaten at home.

    I am not sure what we will see from Ruben Amorim's side, either.

    Robbie Savage was telling me on 606 that United have got the best xG (expected goals) in the Premier League, which suggests they have under-achieved so far.

    I can see this being quite a tight game and while I didn't go for any draws at all last week - I got a bit complacent because I was finding it so easy to beat AI and decided I would pick a winner in every game - I am going to start with one this time.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  8. How are Amorim and Man Utd feeling about Rashford's Barca displays?published at 18:23 BST 26 September

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Marcus Rashford celebrating scoring for Barcelona against Newcastle with a green border and 'Ask Me Anything' logo in the top corner

    We have had questions in via our 'Ask about Manchester United' form about whether Manchester United's board and head coach Ruben Amorim regret not finding a place in the squad for Marcus Rashford.

    The answer is no, I don't get the sense they do. I realise his form so far for Barcelona has been really good - one missed meeting aside - but United just do not believe Rashford would perform like that for them.

    I got the definite impression from Amorim that he wanted to move on from Rashford and, in fairness to the people around the player, I think he accepted he needed to be re-energised by a fresh challenge, which gives him a shot at making the England World Cup squad.

    Everyone knows how good Rashford can be, but it had been a long time since he had performed to anything like that level at United - even if I don't agree with Paul Scholes' stinging criticism earlier this week.

    Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

    We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

    Find out more here

  9. Mbeumo 'lighting' the way for Man Utdpublished at 16:22 BST 26 September

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United striker Bryan MbeumoImage source, Getty Images

    Plenty has been said about Manchester United's transfer business in recent seasons, not much of it positive.

    Clearly when they are spending upwards of £200m every summer, they need to start getting more deals right than wrong if they are to start climbing the Premier League in any meaningful sense.

    To that end, Bryan Mbeumo's arrival feels like a positive.

    He is not the loudest or demonstrative individual, certainly compared to fellow new arrival Matheus Cunha.

    However, there is a quiet authority about Mbeumo. Ahead of the striker's return to Brentford, United head coach Ruben Amorim spoke about the "light" he brings to the dressing room.

    That focus is going to be crucial in the weeks that lie ahead.

    Two goals in six games does not represent a prolific start to Mbeumo's United career.

    However, his contribution extends much further. If his first couple of months at the club are any guide, the £71m they might eventually end up paying for him will be money very well spent indeed.

  10. Amorim on Amad's absence, Mbeumo's 'light' and winning back-to-backpublished at 15:16 BST 26 September

    Grace Wheeler
    BBC Sport journalist

    Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 12:30 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • On team news: "Lisandro Martínez is out, Casemiro will not make an appearance because of his red card. Amad is not here, someone in his family passed away so we are giving all the support to him. The rest are fit and ready."

    • United could record back-to-back wins and Amorim said: "These kind of games we need to be focused and have the feeling we will win every match. It is really important and we talk about that in the end of the game. It is important to have that sense of urgency that we need to win no matter what. Every time you start to watch the next opponent you feel it is going to be really tough. The most important is to start the way we start against Burnley and Arsenal."

    • On feeling confident they can win two in a row: "It is normal for the fans not to know what is going to happen. I have an idea but I don't know, so the best way of dealing with that is that every game is the last one. We think the next game is going to be really important in a long time for Manchester United."

    • Summer signing Bryan Mbeumo drew praise: "Everything that he has been doing - the light that he brings to the dressing room, he's the guy that talks more. You can feel it. He is always there to help us. He runs a lot, he talks a lot and he is a different step to last season."

    • Amorim was asked about targeting Premier League players for transfers and said: "It depends. Every player you want to buy in the Premier League is really expensive so you have to also manage that, but if you look to our moments last year you want to take the less risky move. It was really important to have top players in our team and Bryan and [Matheus] Cunha were not just doing this one year."

    Hear more from Amorim on BBC Sounds

    Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

  11. 'When there is data punching you in the nose, you've got to take notice'published at 13:10 BST 26 September

    Ruben Amorim gives instructions from the touchlineImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United need to "take notice" of the data if they are to improve this season, says former defender Rio Ferdinand.

    The Reds Devils have won two games so far this Premier League campaign and sit 11th in the table. And with a goal difference of minus two, consistently finding the back of the net has been a challenge.

    However, statistics have previously suggested that Ruben Amorim's side have been playing better than their results suggest.

    "I don't get strung along by data, but when there is data that's punching you in the nose, you've got to take notice of it," Ferdinand told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

    "When you look at all of the data around chances created and shots – in that element of the game Manchester United are really thriving. The only key area – the most important data – which isn't functioning and firing is the actual ball hitting back of the net.

    "We're getting ourselves in the right positions to do that, but we just haven't executed. That has got to change. That has got to be an uplift - 100%.

    "Before a ball was kicked this season, I was hopeful of change. I'm still probably in the hopeful situation right now, so that's not great. And only consistent results and a change in that area is going to change the way Manchester United fans feel about the team."

    With his reluctance to move away from his three-at-the-back style, boss Amorim has already come under scrutiny with United's slow start to the season.

    Asked whether he still sees the Portuguese being in charge in by January, Ferdinand responded: "I can, yeah - if results start improving and becoming more consistent in a positive way.

    "The guys at Ineos are sensible guys. They are not knee-jerk reaction guys that are going to make a decision off the back of one result.

    "It's a holistic approach. You can't give a manager a huge windfall of money to spend and then go and sack him after five or six games."

    Listen back on BBC Sounds

  12. What's on the agenda for Amorim?published at 13:09 BST 26 September

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    It is an incredible statistic that Ruben Amorim has not won back-to-back Premier League games since he replaced Erik ten Hag at Manchester United last November.

    That will be the target on Saturday, when United look to follow up last week's win over Chelsea by beating another west London side, Brentfordat the Gtech.

    Casemiro will be suspended, so it is likely either Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo will fill the midfield role, while Matheus Cunha is pushing for a start after returning from injury as a substitute against Chelsea.

    Noussair Mazraoui seemed to pick up another injury in that game, so Amorim should update on his fitness and it will be interesting to see if he gives any clue when new goalkeeper Senne Lammens might make his debut.

    Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Amorim.

  13. Gossip: Man Utd target Barcelona's De Jongpublished at 07:55 BST 26 September

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester United have agreed a deal with Fortaleza to sign 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco once he turns 18 in July. (Athletic), external

    United are also looking to finalise a deal for Derby's 16-year-old English goalkeeper Charlie Hardy. (Sun), external

    Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 28, has emerged as a target for Manchester United. (Football Insider), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  14. Biancheri shines as Man Utd gain last-gasp Euro winpublished at 07:47 BST 25 September

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United forward Gabriel Biancheri and goalscorer James Scanlon at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    Wales Under-21 international Gabriele Biancheri caught the eye with an excellent performance off the bench in Manchester United's last-gasp Premier League International Cup win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

    Biancheri, who also qualifies for Canada and Italy, was one of four second-half substitutes by United coach Travis Binnion that helped turn round a game they were losing at half-time.

    The 19-year-old's sprint down the right and low cross created an opportunity for Gibraltar international James Scanlon to equalise.

    Then, in the third minute of injury time, Biancheri's close-range shot struck a post, hit the unlucky Athletic goalkeeper and bounced in to give United victory in their first game in the competition, in front of about 1,600 supporters.

    Striker Chido Obi was left on the bench throughout as Binnion navigates a testing run of fixtures, the most important of which is next week's EFL Trophy trip to Lincoln City.

    The game was watched by United's technical director Jason Wilcox and new head of academy Stephen Torpey, who joined from Brentford this week.

    United's under-18 coach Darren Fletcher was also at the game, watching son Jack, who started at left-back before moving into a more usual central midfield role.

    Fletcher is currently on crutches after having surgery on a knee injury suffered in a recent Legends game at Celtic.

    He is still carrying out full coaching duties, although United are using a golf buggy to get the former Scotland international around.

  15. Gossip: Man Utd keen to bring Kane back to Premier Leaguepublished at 06:57 BST 25 September

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester United are interested in 32-year-old England striker Harry Kane, who could leave Bayern Munich next summer. (Star), external

    Kobbie Mainoo is prepared to leave Manchester United in January in search of regular football. The midfielder had a loan request turned down by the club in the summer. (Mirror), external

    Aston Villa are eyeing a permanent move for United forward Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at the club for the 2025-26 season. (National World), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  16. Old Trafford outing for Man Utd kidspublished at 12:56 BST 24 September

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United have a 100% winning record from their four games in the Premier League Under 21 league so far this seasonImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Manchester United defender Daniel Armer (left) in Under-21 action against Liverpool on Sunday

    There is no competitive European football for Manchester United's senior men's team this season – but the Under-21s have been given the chance to play at Old Trafford instead.

    A day after United confirmed their women's side would play their Champions League first phase game against French heavyweights Paris St-Germain at the 'Theatre of Dreams' on 12 November, the club's younger male players will face Athletic Bilbao in the Premier League International Cup.

    The competition was launched in 2014, since when it has grown to its current status where it features 32 teams, 16 from England and 16 from the rest of Europe. All teams play four matches, all held in England and all featuring an English team against a European.

    United have been regular participants down the years but only once before have they held a game in the main stadium, when Monaco beat a side that contained Kobbie Mainoo 2-0 in front of over 6,000 in November 2022.