Manager says Brentford will be a much tougher opponent than the Red Devils
Grimsby Town manager David Artell has taken a swipe at Manchester United ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup fourth-round meeting with Brentford, suggesting Keith Andrews’ side will be a stronger opponent than the Red Devils.
The League Two side face Brentford on Tuesday night as they look to extend a remarkable cup run that has already seen them eliminate United in one of the biggest upsets of the competition so far.
Back in August, Grimsby stunned Amorim’s side in a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park, becoming the first team from England’s fourth tier or lower to knock United out of the competition.
Artell, speaking before the trip to west London, said playing against Brentford would be “much more difficult” than it was to play United that night.
“I don’t want loads of letters from Manchester United fans from Kenya or Norway – or Stretford – but I think they’re still in that process of finding their way again,” Artell said.
“Brentford are fully in, fully understanding. That makes it so much more difficult. I think everyone agrees that Man United are still – maybe not in transition per se – but finding their way under a new manager that needs to be given time.”
The Grimsby coach then praised Brentford’s structure and effort to maintain continuity following Thomas Frank’s departure and Keith Andrews’ promotion to head coach. Andrews’ side have picked up from where they left off under the former manager, recording impressive league wins over Liverpool, Aston Villa and United themselves.
“I think you can see the fruits of the green shoots of progress from [United’s] side, but Brentford are not that team,” said Artell.
“Brentford are a well-established team. They’ve appointed from within to continue the work that the previous manager did, and I think everyone would suggest that Keith Andrews is doing a brilliant job and he’s taking them on.
“You don’t beat West Ham so comprehensively, you don’t beat the reigning champions if you haven’t got those principles of play already ingrained.
“Whether it’s set pieces, whether it’s transitions, whether it’s in possession, whether they come and get you out of possession, all that is already really well implemented into the squad. I’m not sure that was the case with Man United.”
