Manchester United once again failed to build any momentum in the Premier League as they slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. What was supposed to be a follow-up to their hard-fought victory over Chelsea turned into another setback, with Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty in the second half proving to be the decisive turning point. Instead of pushing on, Ruben Amorim’s side fell back into their all-too-familiar struggles, leaving supporters frustrated as their team’s barren run of consecutive league wins now stretches back to May 2024.
United’s inability to string together back-to-back victories has become symbolic of their inconsistency under Amorim. Despite flashes of quality in possession, poor defending, questionable tactical decisions, and a lack of clinical finishing once again came back to haunt them. For Brentford, meanwhile, it was a night to savour, as Thomas Frank’s side exploited United’s vulnerabilities and secured a memorable victory in front of their home crowd.
Brentford capitalise on United’s frailties
The match began with United trying to impose themselves, but Brentford quickly took control. The breakthrough came when Harry Maguire’s failed attempt to play Igor Thiago offside left the backline completely exposed. Benjamin Sesko, who had already squandered earlier chances, pounced on the opportunity to finally open his account for Brentford, sliding the ball into the net to give the hosts the lead. The goal settled the Bees and further rattled United’s fragile defence.
Moments later, United’s woes deepened. Altay Bayindir, deputising in goal, parried a long-range strike straight into Thiago’s path, and the Brentford forward wasted no time in firing home their second after just 20 minutes. The Gtech Community Stadium erupted as Brentford’s aggressive pressing and relentless energy left United scrambling for solutions. By halftime, the Red Devils looked disorganised and second-best in nearly every department, unable to cope with the hosts’ intensity.
Though Bayindir did make several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable, United continued to live dangerously. The midfield pairing offered little protection, allowing Brentford to surge forward with ease. Their third goal arrived in added time through Mathias Jensen, who finished clinically after more slack defending and poor pressing in the build-up. The strike sealed a comprehensive win and summed up the gulf in intensity between the two sides on the night.
Fernandes and Dalot show frustration
United’s captain Bruno Fernandes epitomised the frustration running through the side. He missed a golden chance to drag his team back into the contest when his penalty, midway through the second half, was saved, deflating any hopes of a comeback. Throughout the game, Fernandes was visibly agitated, constantly remonstrating with teammates and clashing with referee Craig Pawson over key decisions. His anger boiled over with a rash challenge on Dango Ouattara, for which he was booked, further highlighting his growing irritation.
Diogo Dalot’s return from injury offered little reassurance at the back. The Portuguese full-back endured a torrid afternoon, regularly beaten for pace on the flanks and guilty of several misplaced passes in crucial areas. One of his lapses directly contributed to Brentford’s dominance out wide, with the home side targeting his side of the pitch repeatedly. United’s fans inside the ground were left unimpressed, with jeers and groans echoing as their team fell apart under sustained pressure.
Amorim under pressure again
Ruben Amorim stuck to his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, but once again the system looked disjointed. Mason Mount was deployed out wide in an unfamiliar role, yet the tactical adjustment did little to alter United’s lack of fluency in attack. Their pressing was half-hearted, their transitions sluggish, and their passing too predictable to trouble Brentford’s disciplined setup. The defeat will inevitably increase the scrutiny on Amorim, who has been unable to deliver consistency in either performances or results since his appointment.
For Brentford, this was a statement of intent and another example of their ability to punch above their weight against traditional giants. For United, however, it was a sobering reminder of just how far they remain from competing at the very top. With the season still young, Amorim has time to find solutions, but patience among the fanbase is wearing thin as the same flaws continue to undermine progress. Unless improvements arrive quickly, the pressure on the manager and his players will only intensify further.