Brentford 4-3 Manchester United: Amorim’s rotated side lose in-between crucial Europa League semi-final
Late in the game, Manchester United scored two goals from both flanks and another significant comeback was looking likely. From the left flank Alejandro Garnacho blasted the ball into the top right corner. From the right, returning winger Amad Diallo stuck a characteristically tricky shot through the goalkeeper’s legs.
The Red Devils have shown various times this season that they are able to deliver in a sensational few minutes worthy of the Sir Alex Ferguson era and turn a game around. Everyone still remembers that stunning comeback against Lyon in the Europa League semi-finals.
However, much of the middlegame here against Brentford was characterised by poor decision-making, a lack of desire and will, and just a general ability to stamp their authority into the game. Some of Ruben Amorim’s players look like they need reminding that they play for Manchester United.
United fielded a heavily rotated side, with captain Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Lenny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund among those who dropped out of the starting 11. Amorim clearly has one eye on the Athletic Club return leg at Old Trafford next week. Even at 3-0 up, this fragile United side would need some serious petting and stroking not to mess that up.
Nevertheless, they took the lead in the 12th minute when Garnacho busted a lung down the left flank and squared for Mason Mount to finish. But from then United seemed to relax and Brentford began to assert themselves in the game. They soon equalised through a familiar route for United: a set-play. The superb Michael Kayode chucked the ball right into United’s penalty area, and a half-clearance allowed Mikkel Damsgaard’s shot to be deflected beyond Altair Bayindir by Luke Shaw.
United collapsed from there, although perhaps in an unfortunate manner. Matthijs de Ligt went down injured during a Brentford build-up but the home side continued and capitalised on the Dutchman’s absence to head home. There could be arguments about sportsmanship but United had the chance to contend with Brentford and keep them out but they didn’t.
From that moment on, Amorim’s side collapsed and Brentford scored two goals to go 4-1 up. United have little to play for in the Premier League, with their sights turned beggingly towards the Europa League for a rescue. Even so, it would have been additional embarrassment for their beleaguered Portuguese manager. Then came Garnacho and Amad’s individual moments, a roaring United side eager for another comeback, and perhaps only the full time whistle helped Brentford get all three points.
