By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Manchester United will be chasing their first back-to-back Premier League victories under new manager Rúben Amorim when they face Brentford this weekend. The Red Devils, who have shown flashes of revival since the Portuguese coach took charge, know that consistency is now key if they are to salvage their season.
United secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last outing, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund giving Amorim his second league victory since replacing Erik ten Hag in July. While the performance was not without flaws, fans welcomed the grit and attacking intent on display.
Now, as they head to the Gtech Community Stadium, the challenge is to string together consecutive wins something United have failed to achieve in nearly three months.
“This team is growing in confidence,” Amorim told reporters during his pre-match press conference. “We are working to be more clinical and more disciplined, and we know Brentford is never an easy opponent. The players understand the importance of consistency.”
Brentford, under Thomas Frank, have built a reputation for turning their home ground into a fortress. The Bees stunned United 4-0 in August 2022, a result still fresh in the minds of many supporters.
“Of course, we remember what happened last time,” said captain Bruno Fernandes. “That game hurt us, and we cannot allow it to happen again. Brentford are physical, organized, and dangerous on set pieces. We must be ready.”
The West London side, currently sitting mid-table, are unbeaten in their last four home games. With Ivan Toney back in form and Mathias Jensen pulling strings in midfield, they pose a real threat to Amorim’s rebuilding project.
United’s injury list remains a concern, though Amorim confirmed that Lisandro Martínez is edging closer to full fitness, while Casemiro could make the bench after weeks on the sidelines. Luke Shaw remains out, and Mason Mount is still recovering.
“We are managing some players carefully,” Amorim said. “But we believe the squad is strong enough to cope.”
Brentford, on their part, will be without Rico Henry and Kevin Schade but retain a largely fit squad.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has gradually introduced his high-pressing, fluid attacking style. The Portuguese coach has emphasized youth integration, giving Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo extended roles, while re-energizing Rashford after a dip in form last season.
Football analyst Karen Carney told Sky Sports that United are beginning to reflect Amorim’s tactical ideas. “There’s more structure now in how they press and how they transition from defense to attack. It’s still early days, but you can see what he’s trying to build.”
Still, pundits caution that only sustained results will win over the fans. “Manchester United is not about one good performance here and there,” said former defender Rio Ferdinand. “It’s about putting together a run. That’s what Amorim needs to show now.”
Supporters remain cautiously optimistic. “We’re starting to see fight in the team again,” said Michael Yates, a member of Manchester United’s London Supporters’ Club. “But we’ve been here before. We want to see a proper run of wins, not just hope followed by disappointment.”
On social media, the debate rages about whether Amorim can truly restore the club’s glory. Some believe the 39-year-old is the right man for a long-term rebuild, while others say United’s board must provide more backing in the January transfer window.
United sit eighth in the table, four points off the Champions League spots. A win at Brentford could narrow the gap and send a strong message ahead of upcoming clashes against top-four rivals.
For Brentford, victory would reinforce their push toward the top half of the table and underline their status as a side that can trouble England’s biggest clubs.
As the pressure mounts, Amorim remains focused on steady progress. “It’s not about making promises,” he said. “It’s about working hard every day, improving step by step, and giving the fans a team they can be proud of.”
For Manchester United, Saturday’s match is more than just another fixture. It is a chance to prove that the post-Ten Hag era can finally deliver something fans have been craving for months: momentum.
