Manchester United pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Brentford at Old Trafford, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial moment involving their defender Matthijs de Ligt and an untimely injury. The dramatic nature of the match had fans on edge, but it was the handling of de Ligt’s situation that added an extra layer of tension to the proceedings.
During a crucial moment in the match, the on-field referee ordered de Ligt to leave the pitch due to a head injury just as Brentford prepared for a corner kick. This decision proved costly for United, as Ethan Pinnock took advantage of their defensive weakness, scoring the opening goal for the visitors. United’s defense, now down a key player, struggled to contain the set-piece, sparking immediate uproar on the field and in the stands.
The United bench and players were visibly upset, with manager Erik ten Hag leading the protests. Ten Hag was so incensed by the decision that he received a yellow card for his outburst towards the officials. The incident occurred after de Ligt had already left the field for treatment on a head wound just before halftime, and when the bleeding continued, he was forced to leave once again, leaving United vulnerable in their defensive setup.
Brentford capitalized on this opportunity, with Pinnock’s goal sending shockwaves through Old Trafford and adding to the frustration in the United camp. The players and staff were left questioning the timing of the referee’s decision, which came at a pivotal moment and allowed Brentford to take control of the match, albeit briefly.
Despite the setback and the growing tension, Manchester United regrouped and managed to turn their frustration into a positive outcome. Alejandro Garnacho stepped up for the home side, leveling the score with a well-taken equalizer. The goal reignited the passion in the United squad and their fans, pushing them to keep pressing for the winner. Their persistence paid off when Rasmus Hojlund delivered the decisive blow, netting the winning goal in the second half to secure a hard-fought victory.
The comeback win demonstrated United’s resilience in the face of adversity, but the match will undoubtedly be remembered for the controversial handling of de Ligt’s injury and the subsequent fallout. Nevertheless, the three points earned kept Manchester United’s campaign on track, with the drama on the pitch serving as yet another example of the unpredictability and excitement of Premier League football.