Wayne Rooney has expressed genuine concern that Keith Andrews’ Brentford may be dragged into a relegation battle this season after their 3-1 defeat at Fulham. The former Manchester United striker, now a high-profile pundit, issued the warning on Match of the Day after watching the Bees surrender yet another lead in the league.
Brentford looked promising when Mikkel Damsgaard fired them ahead in the 20th minute at Craven Cottage, but a disastrous two-minute spell before half-time changed everything. Alex Iwobi equalised in the 44th minute, and within 90 seconds Harry Wilson put Fulham in front. Any hopes of a second-half recovery were dashed when defender Ethan Pinnock turned the ball into his own net, condemning Andrews’ side to a frustrating derby defeat.
The result leaves Brentford with just one win from their opening five games – a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in August. They remain outside the relegation zone only on goal difference, with just four points collected so far. For Rooney, it is a worrying sign, particularly given the competitiveness of this year’s promoted clubs and the high-profile departure of long-time manager Thomas Frank.
Brentford supporters had hoped for stability under Andrews, but with defensive lapses and squandered leads now a theme, questions are mounting. With Manchester United up next, followed by daunting fixtures against Manchester City and West Ham United, the Bees are staring down a tough run that could define their early season.
Wayne Rooney issues relegation warning for Brentford
Rooney did not hold back when asked about Brentford’s prospects on Saturday night.
“I’m a bit concerned for Brentford. Obviously losing Thomas Frank is a big factor, and now they’ve lost some big players as well. I think with the promoted teams that have come up as well, they’re all doing okay. I think it’s going to be a long old season for Brentford, and I’ve got worries that they possibly could go down.” — Wayne Rooney, Match of the Day
The comments echo fears among some sections of the Brentford fanbase that the club’s squad depth and defensive fragility may not be enough to survive another season in the Premier League.
Brentford’s faltering start to the campaign
The Bees have shown flashes of promise – including Fabio Carvalho’s last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea – but their inability to protect leads has cost them dearly. Eight points have already been dropped from winning positions, the most in the league.
| Stat (2025/26) | Brentford |
|---|---|
| Games played | 5 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Points | 4 |
| Points dropped from winning positions | 8 |
source: sofascore match data – 21 September 2025
The numbers underline Rooney’s warning: Brentford cannot afford to keep squandering opportunities if they are to avoid being dragged into the bottom three.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William agrees that Brentford face a pivotal period. “Brentford’s problems are not about talent up front – they’ve got players like Schade, Thiago and Damsgaard who can cause damage. But defensively, they’re conceding poor goals from set pieces, throw-ins and lapses in focus. That is the hallmark of a side in trouble.”
He added: “The next three fixtures could define their season. If Andrews can get a result against Manchester United or West Ham, it will ease the pressure. Fail to do so, and the relegation talk will only grow louder.”
Key insights
- Wayne Rooney fears Brentford could be relegated after a poor start.
- Bees have taken just four points from their opening five games.
- Thomas Frank’s departure and player exits cited as major setbacks.
- Brentford have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side.
- Tough fixtures against Manchester United, City and Liverpool are up next.
What’s next for Brentford?
Brentford now prepare to host Manchester United, who secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the weekend. Andrews will need his team to cut out mistakes if they are to stand a chance against Rooney’s former club.
Following that, daunting back-to-back clashes with Manchester City and Liverpool loom, before a crucial trip to West Ham. For Andrews, the West Ham fixture may already be circled as a “must win” to avoid sliding into the relegation zone. The question remains: can Brentford find the resilience to survive a brutal early schedule, or will Rooney’s warning prove prophetic?
👉 Do you agree with Wayne Rooney – are Brentford in real danger of relegation this season, or will they recover?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 21 Sep 2025 12:16
Na, they won't. The Wolves, Burnley and West Ham.
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