FC Brentford held on for a wild 4-3 win over Manchester United, handing the Red Devils their 16th league defeat. The Bees were the more dangerous team for long stretches, but still had to hold their nerve in the end.
Between their Europa League clashes with Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United were looking to pick up three points in the Premier League. Brentford FC were looking to celebrate a win after five league games without a victory, and things looked promising for the visitors in the early stages.
After an evenly matched opening few minutes, with both sides enjoying periods of possession, ManUnited took the lead with their first chance: Garnacho was sent down the left and crossed for Mount, who slotted home from the center (14′).
Despite the lead, the Red Devils were clearly feeling the effects of Thursday’s Europa League match (3-0). Ruben Amorim left key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Maguire on the bench, with youngsters Fredricson, Amas, and Obi-Martin starting instead, and the inexperienced team quickly allowed Brentford back into the game.
Brentford turns the game around
In the 27th minute, the visitors failed to clear a long throw-in. The ball landed at Damsgaard, whose shot was deflected by Shaw and flew into the net, leaving Onana’s replacement Bayindir with no chance. A few minutes later, Brentford completely turned the game around: former Freiburg player Schade rose high to meet a cross from the right and headed the home side into the lead (33′).
Brentford were the better team in the aftermath and pushed for a 3-1 lead. Thomas Frank’s side came close to doubling their lead twice, but both Schade (41′) and Nörgaard (44′) were denied by Bayindir before the break.
After the break, the spectators at the Gtech Community Stadium saw a similar picture: the Red Devils were harmless going forward and repeatedly exposed major weaknesses in defense. As a result, Brentford regularly appeared dangerous in front of Amorim’s goal.
Schade scores twice
Yarmolyuk headed just wide of the right post after a throw-in (58′). In a phase between the 60th and 70th minutes, when ManUnited increased the pressure, Brentford struck twice: Schade (70th) and Wissa (74th) made it 4-1 against the disorganized Red Devils within four minutes, sealing the deal before the final phase.
Garnacho and Amad make it exciting
Nevertheless, the Bees had to endure a nervous finish. After Garnacho’s dream goal (82′) and Amad’s nutmeg against Flekken (90+5), it got really exciting again at the end, but Brentford held on for the win and handed Amorim’s side their 16th league defeat of the season.
What’s next for both teams? Brentford will travel to Ipswich Town on Saturday (4 p.m.). United are back in action on Thursday with the second leg of their Europa League semi-final in Bilbao. In the Premier League, the Red Devils have a home game against West Ham United in exactly one week (3:15 p.m.).
