Brentford 4-3 Manchester United | Five Talking Points

A much-changed Manchester United lost 4-3 in a thrilling Premier League encounter at Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

Ruben Amorim had one eye on Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, with Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson and Chido Obi starting in a new-look XI.

Mason Mount put the visitors 1-0 up early on. However, Brentford – still in the hunt for a European place – soon took over after that and stormed into a 4-1 lead

United finished the game strongly, pulling goals back through Alejandro Garnacho and Amad to make the scoreline more respectable.

Here are our five talking points from an exciting match in the capital.

Chido Obi makes Manchester United history

Ruben Amorim gave youth its chance in west London, with the young trio of Amass, Fredricson and Obi all starting together for the first time at senior level.

The latter became United’s youngest-ever starter in the Premier League at just 17 years and 155 days old.

Truthfully, he endured a difficult afternoon up front against the Bees’ physical defence but offered some glimpses of his potential, especially in the second half.

He will undoubtedly have plenty of better days ahead in a United shirt.

De Ligt’s season may well be over

It was disheartening to watch Matthijs de Ligt go down clutching his knee in the lead-up to Brentford’s second goal.

The Dutch defender only made his comeback from a four-week lay-off in Bilbao last Thursday and would have been hoping to play a big part in the European run-in.

Alas, the former Bayern Munich man looked in significant discomfort as he hobbled down the tunnel with a concerning-looking knock.

Hopefully, this is not as serious as it appears to be, but there is now a distinct possibility that the 25-year-old could well have played his last game of 2024-25.

Mason Mount can remake Manchester United under Ruben Amorim

Mount makes his long-awaited return to starting XI

It was a first start since December for troubled midfielder Mason Mount.

Since joining United in the summer of 2023, the 26-year-old has endured a torrid time through a plethora of injury-related issues.

The former Chelsea star scored on United’s last visit to Brentford in March 2024, and he repeated the trick in the latest instalment, firing the Reds ahead in the 14th minute with a smart finish.

It’s good to see Mount back fit and starting to contribute to the team, and he could yet prove to be an important figure in the final few weeks of this campaign.

Garnacho’s hard work is rewarded

Alejandro Garnacho has received plenty of criticism this season due to his wastefulness in front of goal and, at times, a reluctance to pass to his teammates.

Nonetheless, he has still been one of United’s most productive and hardest-working players this campaign, and he added a goal and an assist at the weekend.

Garnacho did well down the left when setting up Mount’s opener, and he then curled in a stunning strike later on for his team’s second of the day.

The Argentine will be a crucial player for Thursday’s return leg against Athletic Club, and – hopefully – his productive display in London will see him take some confidence into the big game at Old Trafford later in the week.

The Manchester United Academy traditions continue to evolve in style

A big learning curve for the Manchester United youngsters

It was a tough afternoon for the youngsters drafted into Amorim’s line-up, visibly struggling against a physically imposing home side.

Amass was beaten in a key duel in the build-up to the host’s first goal, whilst Mancunian defender Fredricson also struggled, completely losing sight of Kevin Schade, who gleefully headed home twice.

Both youngsters are still raw and deserve much more time to find their feet in the Premier League. However, despite their obvious talent, Sunday emphasised that they aren’t ready to be considered serious first-team starters just yet.

What did you make of United’s 4-3 defeat at Brentford on Sunday? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.