Brentford bullied Manchester United’s defenders, Ruben Amorim needs help in the summer | OneFootball

Manchester United almost pulled off another stunning comeback but eventually succumbed to a 3-4 defeat at the hands of Brentford in their Premier League game at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

The visitors began well and took the lead through Mason Mount, who scored only his second goal for the club since signing in 2023, and it came at the same venue against the same opposition.

But that was about as good as it got for the Red Devils in the opening 45 minutes as the Bees began dominating soon after and scored twice through a Luke Shaw own goal and Kevin Schade.

Schade scored again in the second half before Yoane Wissa added a fourth. Each time, the home side seemed to target the academy kids Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson with the duo getting bullied into submission at times.

Youngsters got bullied physically

This was another reminder as to why Ruben Amorim has been reluctant to throw the kids into the deep-end as they are technically good players but nowhere near ready physically.

The left wingback tried to be brave but was outmuscled for the first goal as he lost both his aerial duels inside the box.

Thomas Frank must have drilled into his team about crossing deep and everytime the Brentford attackers crowded around Fredricson, who was just not ready to deal with so much pressure.

The refereeing did not help as Anthony Taylor did not stop play for Brentford’s second when Matthijs de Ligt was down injured and calling for a substitution.

They were also denied a penalty and bizarrely a free-kick was instead given to Brentford, from which they scored their fourth.

Heads went down and at that point, it seemed like the game was heading for another abject loss for the 20-time English league champions before Alejandro Garnacho curled home a screamer.

Defence needs help

Substitute Amad cut in to score a third to send nerves jangling among the Brentford fans but they somehow held on and United remained 15th in the table.

Amorim will be pleased with the late fightback while goals for Garnacho and Amad should do their confidence a world of good ahead of the crucial Europa League semi-final second-leg on Thursday against Athletic Club.

Sunday was proof that defensive reinforcements might yet be something Amorim revisits should Champions League qualification be secured.

De Ligt’s injury once again highlighted how injury-prone he is while Shaw was once again poor in the left centre-back position. Add Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans’ impending departures, and Lisandro Martinez’s long-term injury into the mix and things look light at the back.

Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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