Manchester United’s written-off Premier League campaign showed hope for the future as two late goals saw them scare Brentford in a 4-3 loss.
Man Utd started on the back foot as expected as Brentford threatened multiple times but it was Ruben Amorim’s men who landed the first blow through Mason Mount against the run of play.
Brentford got their deserved goal soon after through their usual set-piece shenanigans, with Man Utd losing multiple duels in the box leading to the equaliser.
The lead was in the bag for the Bees in contentious circumstances as they took advantage of Matthijs de Ligt’s injury to head home from close range, the Dutchman coming off.
Two second-half goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa summed up a terrible day at the office but late goals from Amad and Garnacho gave Brentford a late scare.
Ultimately, a scare is what it remained as United lost but it was nonetheless a spirited display.
Here’s how the players rated-
Man Utd players ratings vs Brentford
Altay Bayindir – 6
Uncertain in nearly every moment but the scoreline would’ve been much worse if not for his saves.
Tyler Fredricson – 6.5
A difficult moment or two against Kevin Schade but broadly the best of the back three.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Came off with an injury to add to Ruben Amorim’s headache.
Luke Shaw – 3
Uncharacteristically poor with the ball and scored an own goal to cap off a chastening game. Has probably played himself out of a starting spot on Thursday.
Patrick Dorgu – 4
Struggled in the buildup similar to Shaw and got outmuscled in the air for Brentford’s second.
Harry Amass – 4
His “Welcome to the PL” game as Brentford targeted him for physicality and he was found wanting almost every time.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Showed good press resistance and and looks like a player at the top of his game. Brentford away was the ultimate “proper English football” test and he was up to it despite the result.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Nice pass in the buildup for United’s opener but, much like his teammates, too weak at times.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7.5
Smart assist for Mount and a brilliant finish to get one of his own. United’s only reliable attacking outlet.
Mason Mount – 7
A bright presence with his off-the-ball runs and was rewarded for making the run United’s strikers most often don’t.
Chido Obi – 5
A chastening game for the youngster that will hopefully see him learn and improve. Thankless outing against Brentford’s monsters as he barely got a sniff. Improved late on to show glimpses of his potential.
Substitutes
Harry Maguire – 6
Some iffy moments in the air but generally a much more confident presence these days.
Leny Yoro – 6
Generally composed but some difficult moments in buildup which plagued the whole team.
Amad – 7
Tried his usual tricks and flicks and scored late on to give Brentford a scare. Has picked up from where he left off before his injury.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
His progressive passing was much-needed and Ruben Amorim would love to have a physical version of this player next season.
Victor Lindelof – 6
No standout moments and no errors either.
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