Ruben Amorim cut a dejected figure at the final whistle in London, as he watched his Manchester United side crumble to a 3-1 defeat against Brentford.
With much talk about the prospect of consecutive Premier League victories heading into the tie, it was the home side who started the stronger with an imposing stance against a timid-looking guest.
Igor Thiago epitomised The Bees’ dominance during the opening phases, with his endless running and determination resulting in a deserved first-half brace.
Benjamin Sesko managed to reduce the deficit shortly afterwards, before Bruno Fernandes saw a late penalty saved, and Mathias Jensen sealed an emphatic victory in injury time with a sublime finish.
The wait for some semblance of momentum goes on for the 20-time champions of England, with yet another day of frustration set to cast further doubt about the suitability of this management team.
Another day of Brentford disappointment for the Manchester United faithful
On a day when the travelling support were hoping to see consistency following a deserved victory against Chelsea, it was Brentford that burst out of the blocks emphatically.
Their early structure and determination in transition paid off for a partisan crowd, as Ketih Andrews’ men took the lead after eight minutes through Thiago.
The Brazilian was adjudged onside after racing onto a Jordan Henderson clearance, leaving a helpless Harry Maguire in his dust before powering his effort past Altay Bayindir.
It was all too easy for the Londoners during the opening exchanges, with an expected barrage of physicality and threat through precisely engineered set-pieces, as United appeared incapable of maintaining composure.
Relentless pressure inevitably resulted in Thiago notching his second of the day from close range despite Bayindir’s best efforts in a quick-reaction double save.
To their credit, United responded, and Sesko notched his first goal for the club, bursting the net from close range at the third attempt after a frantic six-yard melee.
Amorim kicked every ball from the touchline during a helter-skelter opening half hour, witnessing his side gain a fraction of control following the goal, as the visitors looked the more likely for the remainder of the first half.
Both managers opted to refrain from making changes at the interval, with the Reds hoping to improve a dismal away record that had seen them winless in their previous seven Premier League trips.
A flat quarter resulted in few talking points, as a long-range Matheus Cunha effort presented United’s best opportunity. Shortly afterwards, Bayindir was called into action again to deny a familiar Brentford counter-attack.
Amorim responded by introducing Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro for the final thirty minutes; Manuel Ugarte and Maguire took their place on the bench.
The youthful technique and composure of both were immediately evident. Mainoo’s style and ability added control, while Yoro’s ball-carrying provided extra urgency as United began to dictate proceedings.
A period of sustained control presented an opportunity from the penalty spot when Bryan Mbeumo was brought to ground by Nathan Collins, supplying Bruno with a chance to complete an unlikely comeback.
However, an amalgamation of a four-minute VAR consultation and the idle wait on the field resulted in the Portuguese seeing his effort denied by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Mason Mount replaced Luke Shaw for the final ten minutes, alongside the promise of significant added time following a hugely unnecessary halt in play following the penalty award. Joshua Zirkzee followed shortly afterwards.
An additional eight minutes provided a glimmer of hope for the Manchester faithful. Yet, as their side powered forward, Jensen’s long-range effort following a routine counter-attack sealed the three points for a jubilant Andrews.
It’s a familiar feeling for Amorim and a dejected fanbase after a fourth-consecutive winless trip to the Gtech, as United drop below Brentford into 13th position.
Questions will inevitably surface, and the former Sporting man will undoubtedly face growing calls for his departure.
One can only expect that an Ineos hierarchy is less than impressed.
How do you feel following the latest setback for Manchester United? Do you still support Amorim? Let us know in the comments or on our socials.
Recent Posts
- The forgotten slow start to a glorious Manchester United campaign
- Manchester United officials retain confidence in Project 150 strategy
- Manchester United Supporters’ Club retain desire for change of ownership
