Chris Sutton and Paul Merson disagree on Man United and Ten Hag prediciton for Brentford clash

Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford.

The Reds enter the game knowing that pressure is building on manager Erik ten Hag after a historically poor start to the Premier League campaign. A win at home to the Bees will go a long way to keeping the Dutchman in position for a while longer.

However, anything less than three points will likely see further questions asked about Ten Hag and may force Ineos' hand after they chose not to part ways with the Dutchman during the international break. Ahead of this weekend's matches, MEN Sport has taken a look at what three pundits have to say about the match at Old Trafford.

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Chris Sutton

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: "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.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

Paul Merson

Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson explained: "Brentford can score again in the first minute this weekend! If that happens, you never know what is next for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.

"Brentford are free flowing, they will score at Old Trafford that's for sure. But the problem is that whenever they take the lead they can't seem to hold onto it and win.

"If Manchester United get beat by Brentford and they sack him, that's not the right way to run a football club in my opinion. Now that they have decided to back him beyond the international break, I'd be shocked if that happens too."

Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Brentford

Mark Lawrenson

Lawrenson added, in conversation with Paddy Power: "There’s been goals all over the place with Brentford recently and they’ve had those amazing fast starts. With all the fuss over Manchester United they’ll be absolutely delighted that England have got new manager because it’s taken them off the back pages for a while!

"I just about think Man United will win here but the whole thing at United is so strange at the moment."

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

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