2023/24 has been a rollercoaster of a season for Manchester United. Generally, the Red Devils have massively underwhelmed, but there have been some bright spots: the emergence of Rasmus Højlund and Kobbie Mainoo, as well as the recent frenetic 4-3 win over arch-rivals in the FA Cup.
Manchester United first goalscorer odds: our picks
Another pocket of momentary bliss for the United faithful was their stunning comeback against Brentford in October. After going a goal down in the 27th minute, the Red Devils were behind for 66 minutes, before Scott McTominay made himself a hero with a brace in the 93rd and 96th minute, sending Old Trafford into pandemonium.
Brentford have an excellent record when facing the traditional big teams at the G-Tech Community Stadium. To break them down, United may need some more McTominay magic.
Rasmus Højlund – 11/2
The Premier League floodgates seem to have finally opened for 20-year-old Rasmus Højlund. After 14 appearances without a league goal, the Dane has now scored in each of his last six Premier League appearances.
Despite reports of ten Hag and co looking to bring in another strike to ease the burden on the young man, he seems to be thriving on the responsibility of being Manchester United’s striker and is brimming with confidence. The powerful Dane is being found with far greater regularity, and is finally getting the quality chances he was deprived of earlier this season.
The 21-year-old has netted four of United’s last five openers in Premier League matches he’s started.
Marcus Rashford – 7/1
It’s not been a repeat of last year’s stellar season for Marcus Rashford.
Rashford was the key to United’s strong 2022/23 campaign, scoring 30 goals and registering 10 assists in all competitions. Rashford is blessed with blistering pace, beguilingly quick feet and a truly venomous right foot. But this season, he has just eight goals and five assists.
Things have started to turn around for Rashford in 2024, however. Before the international break, Rashford scored in three consecutive games for the first time since February 2023, including an opening thunderbolt at Manchester City and a goal against Liverpool.
Rashford only played 15 minutes for England, so will be well-rested to face Brentford.
Alejandro Garnacho – 17/2
Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho has been a bright spot for United this season, with seven goals and four assists in all competitions.
Garnacho has built on the promise he showed last season, and grabbed headlines with his spectacular overhead kick against Everton, which is surely nailed on to win goal of the season. He has displaced the far more expensive, Erik ten Hag picked, option in his position in Antony.
The 19-year-old still shows the inconsistency expected of a man his age, but is going from strength to strength.
Scott McTominay – 12/1
Despite only starting 14 matches and often featuring deeper, Scott McTominay is joint top scorer with Rashford and Højlund in the Premier League, with seven goals.
Brentford are often a stubborn opponent for the big six, and to crack open Thomas Frank’s well-drilled 5-3-2, goals often come from deeper. Arsenal have scored two winners against the Bees thanks to late runs and headed goals from Kai Havertz.
McTominay already has one headed goal against Brentford, so don’t bet against the powerful Scot breaking the deadlock.
Mason Mount – 12/1
Our final pick is a man yet to score his first goal in the red of Manchester United. Mason Mount has suffered greatly from a succession of injuries. He has made just four starts in the Premier League, and not been impressive when he has played.
But Mount’s present malaise should not detract from the player he is. At Chelsea, Mount was a regular contributor of goals from midfield, scoring 33 in his four seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Mount is more than capable of making late, intelligent runs to find space in the box. If he can follow Kai Havertz’ lead in scoring a crucial goal away to Brentford, he might just kick-start his spluttering Manchester United career.
For more Premier League first goalscorer predictions, check out our Chelsea first goalscorer picks.
