I couldn’t believe how quickly Manchester United started against Brentford, with the rewards for this paid in the form of two goals.
Old Trafford was in fine spirits on Monday night as Manchester United beat Brentford, and I was at the Theatre of Dreams playing my part in creating a special atmosphere.
It was a top-class performance from most of the United team, with the only criticism being not scoring a third or fourth goal to put the game to bed.
I was enamoured by the display with quick attacking football, meaning that my seat wasn’t in use for the entirety of the first 45 minutes.
But in particular, three players demonstrated why they are bound to play a big role when United wins number 21.
Who was your Manchester United man of the match vs Brentford?
Kobbie Mainoo is already an elite midfielder
Like most of the crowd inside Old Trafford, I was excited to see Kobbie Mainoo play football, with his performance repaying that faith.
Almost immediately, Mainoo had the fans sat around me raving about him as he slalomed around multiple defenders before picking out a pass for Amad, who somehow missed an open net.
Mainoo was annoyed and rightly so, considering he did all the hard work and was owed an assist of the season contender tag.
But I was more impressed by Mainoo’s combative ability as he won duels, tackles, and looked like a proper midfielder, which was often the big criticism against him from Ruben Amorim.
United can’t sign a midfielder with a higher ceiling than Mainoo this season, and so, for me, it makes sense to focus on signing his ideal partner.
I am so happy that United salvaged Mainoo’s career for the club and replaced Ruben Amorim instead of letting the head coach push the young midfielder out.
How would you rate Kobbie Mainoo’s performance vs Brentford out of 10 ???
Mainoo almost produced the assist of the season in the opening minutes…
Ayden Heaven is going to be a star for Manchester United
As one supporter emphasised after a brilliant run from Ayden Heaven, “Can’t believe the lad cost £1m,” and just like January 2025, it looks like an absolute steal.
Heaven at 19 plays with so much quality and confidence on the ball that I can’t see any other trajectory for him than straight upwards, to a league-leading centre-back.
I see Heaven nailing down the position as left centre-back, with his quality undeniable right now, with not a single foot put wrong in the past two matches.
Insiders think Heaven can be like William Saliba, and it is clear to see why, with the brilliant teenage defender clearly on his way to becoming elite.
Next season Benjamin Sesko will be unstoppable
I haven’t always been sold by Benjamin Sesko this season as ready to lead the line for Manchester United, but against Brentford, he proved that he isn’t far off.
It wasn’t easy for Sesko, with Nathan Collins being extremely physical with him, forcing the Slovenian to fight, and he did exactly this, using his pace in behind outstrengthening defenders and showing excellent composure to score his goal.
I was impressed by the hold-up play and passing from Sesko, as he did really well to hold up play and then pick out a pass to his teammate
Sesko has 11 goals in his debut season, which is extremely commendable considering the lack of games, and is already a strong platform to build upon next season.
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