Manchester United’s Premier League campaign might be a write-off competitively but each place on the table is worth nearly £2.5 million and Brentford are up next to tackle.
Man Utd will be coming off a high following their 3-0 win over Athletic Club but if Ruben Amorim’s comments are any indication, the XI will look very different from what happened in San Mames.
It is set to be a chance for some of the more fringe and youth players to impress as Amorim keeps his ammunition ready for the return leg in Europe at Old Trafford.
In a game where Brentford are expected to be heavy favourites for that reason, manager Thomas Frank has agreed with Ruben Amorim over United’s PL struggles.
Thomas Frank on Man Utd
Considering Thomas Frank was once in the frame for the job Amorim holds currently, it is worth hearing his assessment of the club.
Frank has worked miracles with Brentford since promotion and they’re again in contention for a late run to European spots through the league.
Ahead of the game against Man Utd, Frank was asked what kind of threat he expected from the Red Devils and he was in no confusion about the team’s quality.
He echoed the same point as Amorim that, in recent games, United haven’t got what their performances have merited so the improvement is clear to see.
Frank said: “It’s a team that is very well structured. They defend very well, they know what they want to do. Performance in Europe show potential but I also think that in the Premier League I don’t think they have got what they have played to.
“Not just xG but the chances, the rhythm of the game, they deserve more. It’s Man Utd, one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Ruben Amorim can make a statement vs Brentford
Nobody at Man Utd is expecting a thumping win against Brentford away from home on most good days so this has further mitigating circumstances.
Amorim will field a wildly rotated team but therein lies an opportunity to make a statement about his own impact on the team.
He rotated against Wolves as well and instead of the team’s level going down, players like Tyler Fredricson shone after coming into the team.
That’s a testament to the tactical work being done with the players when the system is so strong a player can be dropped into it and thrive regardless of experience.
If United are even remotely competitive against Brentford despite being severely undermanned, with the weight of no expectations, it would set a huge marker for the next season that Amorim is having an impact.
It’s a win-win situation after victory against Athletic as Amorim holds all the cards.
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