Manchester United made a complete fool of themselves at Brentford FC, losing 4-0 to leave a desolate impression. Now Liverpool await.
The Red Devils started dominantly at last year’s promoted Brentford, who allowed little early on and meanwhile became dangerous themselves through counter-attacks. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range shot was United’s best offensive effort for a long time (4th), the visitors fell behind after the Portuguese lost the ball. All it took was a fairly harmless 20-metre shot from Dasilva, as de Gea simply let the ball roll through his arms (10th).
The breakdown show was on. On the one hand, the efficient Brentford presented itself as a much more harmonious team and much better attuned to the opponent. On the other hand, United not only made life difficult for themselves, the English record champions embarrassed themselves more and more minute by minute – while their own attacking efforts fizzled out.
Whistles for Eriksen
When taking a low kick, de Gea and the partly booed ex-Brentford pro Eriksen lost the ball in their own penalty area and Jensen had no trouble making it 2-0 (18th). Mee won the header duel with United’s new central defender Martinez (1.75 metres) and scored the 3:0 (30.), the fourth goal conceded by Mbeumo was the result of a counterattack (35.).
It got a little better after the break and a Ten Hag triple change as the Red Devils found it easier to get into dangerous spaces and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered two useful headers (51st, 52nd). But whenever Brentford stepped up their efforts again, United’s possession passes became bread-and-butter art and the visitors’ counter defence was tested again and again.
Next up is Liverpool
But the Bees had long since taken their foot off the accelerator, while their guest never really got his in the door. Eriksen missed the consolation goal from a few yards out (81st), which would have made little difference to Brentford’s victory.
For ManUnited, the false start with two bitter defeats at the start is perfect. Four Premier League defeats in a row (season-long) are also a new negative for the record champions.
On matchday 3, the ultimate duel awaits the Red Devils at Old Trafford: Monday night’s home game against arch-rivals Liverpool (9pm). Brentford will play at city rivals and promoted FC Fulham on Saturday (4pm).