Brentford snatched a dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United in a pulsating encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium, keeping their European qualification hopes alive. Despite Mason Mount giving the visitors the lead, Brentford fought back to secure a memorable win.
Mount’s second goal for United, a well-taken finish from an Alejandro Garnacho cross, put the visitors ahead. However, Brentford responded swiftly when captain Mikkel Damsgaard’s cross deflected off Luke Shaw for the equalizer. Just six minutes later, Kevin Schade controversially headed Brentford into the lead, towering over Tyler Fredricson, despite United’s appeals for play to be stopped due to an injury to Matthijs de Ligt in the build-up.
Schade added his second of the afternoon with 20 minutes remaining, heading in a Bryan Mbeumo cross. Brentford then extended their lead further as Michael Kayode teed up Yoane Wissa to slot home their fourth.
United mounted a late fightback. Garnacho scored a stunning long-range goal eight minutes from time, and substitute Amad Diallo added another in the fifth minute of added time, setting up a nervy finish. However, Brentford held on for the win.
The defeat leaves Manchester United languishing in 15th place with 39 points from 35 matches, while Brentford climb to ninth, just a point behind eighth-placed Bournemouth.
United manager Ruben Amorim had made eight changes to his starting lineup with Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao in mind. Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, Amorim admitted his concern over a hamstring injury sustained by De Ligt, who was making his first start since returning from an ankle issue. “I’m really concerned – not about Thursday. We took off Luke Shaw at half-time to protect and have players for Thursday, but I’m more concerned whether it is a small or big injury and thinking about next season,” he said.
De Ligt’s injury compounded United’s defensive woes, with Lisandro Martinez already sidelined for the season and Diogo Dalot potentially out with a calf problem. Amorim had been counting on De Ligt’s experience for their European run.
Despite the late goals, Brentford ultimately secured a deserved victory, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess against a weakened Manchester United side.
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