Brentford delivered a statement performance in West London, overcoming Manchester United 4-3 in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The result bolsters the Bees’ push for European qualification, lifting them to ninth in the standings, while deepening United’s domestic woes. The match kicked off with intensity from the home side, but it was the visitors who struck first.
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Mason Mount latched onto a loose ball in the box and guided a composed first-time finish past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken to open the scoring.
However, United’s lead was short-lived as misfortune struck when Luke Shaw inadvertently deflected Mikkel Damsgaard’s driven effort into his own net, leveling the score. Brentford seized momentum shortly after.
Kevin Schade rose highest to meet Christian Nørgaard’s pinpoint cross and thumped a powerful header beyond Nick Pope, putting the hosts 2-1 ahead before the break. Manchester United responded brightly after the restart, but their defensive frailties were once again exposed.
Bryan Mbeumo whipped in an inviting ball from the right, which Schade converted with precision for his second goal of the evening. Brentford then turned the screw as Michael Kayode squared the ball unselfishly to Yoane Wissa, who made no mistake from close range to make it 4-1.
Despite the deficit, Erik ten Hag’s side showed late signs of life. Alejandro Garnacho produced a moment of brilliance to curl in a superb strike, reducing the arrears and igniting hope of a comeback.
Substitute Amad Diallo further closed the gap in the dying moments, drilling a low effort through Flekken’s legs to set up a frantic finish.
However, Brentford held firm to secure a famous victory, much to the delight of the home crowd. The match stats reflected their attacking efficiency, with the hosts registering an expected goals figure of 2.57.
United, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities, finishing with a 1.50.The result marks Manchester United’s 16th league loss of the season—a campaign that continues to unravel.
They remain in 15th place and must quickly regroup ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club on Thursday. For Thomas Frank’s side, European dreams are very much alive.
