Erik ten Hag can make big statement with two new Manchester United starters vs Liverpool

Abject. Disgraceful. Horrible.

Those are just three words that described the living nightmare that was Saturday's trip to Brentford. I am sure plenty more 'fruity' alternatives were offered in the corner of the Brentford Community Stadium dominated by United fans as well as in the pubs and bars of Manchester.

This weekend's latest shambles feels different to those which United suffered last season. Perhaps it is due to the Reds being rock bottom of the Premier League but there is a real sense of panic.

Brentford are not the worst side in the top flight, far from it, but they won't be troubling the European places this season and at this rate neither will United. The club's social media silence spoke volumes - the Bees were well worth the victory.

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Unsurprisingly, Ten Hag had the United players in on Sunday for an extra training session as punishment for their embarrassing dismantling. As difficult as it may be for both Ten Hag, his players and the fans, the Reds must look ahead to the visit of Liverpool a week today.

Depending upon which way you look at it, this could be the best possible fixture or the worst United could have after that ordeal. Jurgen Klopp's team are everything United aren't currently but if the players cannot be motivated for a game against Liverpool when the world of football is doubting them, they never will be.

Extra training sessions and honest post-match interviews are one thing but changes to the starting line-up are where the real statement can be made. Wholesale swaps seem quite likely at this stage - Tyrell Malacia will surely get the nod over Luke Shaw for instance.

But two United youngsters, so far overlooked, should be given