Manchester United earned a huge win in their Champions League campaign on Tuesday thanks to Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.
07.10.2023 - 08:45 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Bedraggled, befuddled and beaten. No, not Manchester United traipsing off in midweek but the Reds leaving the Brentford Community Stadium a little over a year ago.
A 4-0 mauling that flattered United was one of the darker days in recent times. Their shirts might have been bright but United’s performance was anything but.
The Bees visit Old Trafford this weekend and offer a reminder of that painful defeat in the capital. Last August it acted as something of a reset, as bizarre as that sounds given it was only Erik ten Hag’s second game, but there were signs then that the manager already knew he didn’t want the likes of David de Gea, Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo in his first choice XI. The latter was anonymous as Brentford ran riot with De Gea woeful and Maguire sloppy.
ALSO READ: United give injury update and team news for Brentford
ALSO READ: Ten Hag has an advantage past United managers lacked during crises
It was an abysmal afternoon and one that ended with United bottom of the Premier League.
They rallied to beat Liverpool next up and ultimately enjoyed a season categorised as a success given the Carabao Cup triumph and a return to the Champions League. But there were some dark days too, being hit for six by Manchester City and seven by Liverpool as well as limping out of the Europa League. It was two steps forward and one step back.
Arguably it’s been two steps back this season such has been the disastrous start to the campaign but Ten Hag now has his team, his players and his methodology. It’s up to him to make it work.
United’s XI is much changed from last August but it still lacks a cohesion and an identity with too many star names not producing and too many fringe players not good enough.
“Our start
Manchester United earned a huge win in their Champions League campaign on Tuesday thanks to Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.
Manchester United are ready to compete with Premier League rivals Tottenham for Uruguay defender Sebastian Caceres next summer - according to reports.
Manchester United made tactical adjustments beyond the pivotal introduction of Christian Eriksen at half-time in their Champions League win over Copenhagen.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire admitted he is 'really happy' with how he has performed over the past 12 months after scoring the winner in Tuesday night's 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was seen reuniting with his former teammates, including captain Bruno Fernandes, at a popular brasserie in Greater Manchester earlier this week.
When it comes to the art of winning ugly, it is a trait that Manchester United seem to have mastered so far this season.
Erik ten Hag told Manchester United's players they needed to control the game better during the half-time break against Sheffield United.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag lauded Harry Maguire for "playing the way we want him to play".
Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney were two integral cogs in one of Manchester United's most successful sides.
Manchester United return to Premier League action with a crucial clash against Sheffield United this evening.
David De Gea is yet to sign for a new club after leaving Manchester United this summer. The long-serving Spanish goalkeeper, 32, was brutally axed by manager Erik ten Hag and replaced by Andre Onana after his 12 memorable years between the Old Trafford posts.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has said Jude Bellingham is currently the best midfielder in football after he played a starring role in England's 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Manchester United's slow start to the season can be attributed to a whole host of factors.
David de Gea has congratulated former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes after he helped his native Portugal qualify for next year's European Championship.
Manchester United's game against Everton at Goodison Park has been selected to be shown on TV next month.
A number of Manchester United players have been in action over the past 24 hours as the international break continues.
Manchester United have put together a shortlist of four potential defensive targets as they look to strengthen in that area next summer, according to reports.
Manchester United boast a goalkeeping legacy that lasts almost as long as the club itself. From Reg Allen and Harry Gregg in the 1950s all the way through to modern greats like Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar and David de Gea, the number-one jersey at Old Trafford weighs a tonne.
Altay Bayindir is delighted with his start to life at Manchester United, even though he has yet to make his debut for the club.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned whether Erik ten Hag possesses the right credentials to manage "big stars and egos" within the Manchester United dressing room.