Premier League: Manchester United’s struggles continued in dramatic fashion as Ruben Amorim’s men slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Brentford, piling further pressure on the under-fire manager. A brace from Igor Thiago in the opening 20 minutes left United chasing the game, and despite Benjamin Sesko’s first goal for the club, Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty and a stoppage-time strike from Mathias Jensen sealed another damaging loss.
A Nightmare Start for United
United’s defensive woes surfaced immediately. Within eight minutes, Jordan Henderson’s precise lofted pass split the backline, leaving Harry Maguire appealing in vain for offside as Igor Thiago rifled home past Altay Bayindir.
Things worsened just 12 minutes later. Thiago, thriving since his arrival from Club Brugge, combined with Kevin Schade to create chaos in the box, eventually poking in a rebound after Bayindir failed to hold the initial shot. With five goals already this season, Thiago is quickly becoming Brentford’s new talisman a worrying contrast to United’s misfiring forwards.
Sesko Provides a Glimmer of Hope
Benjamin Sesko, who has endured a slow start since his summer move from Leipzig, finally gave United fans something to cheer. Capitalizing on Caoimhin Kelleher’s poor handling of a Patrick Dorgu cross, Sesko scored at the third attempt after his initial efforts were blocked.
That goal, however, only highlighted United’s desperate reliance on moments of individual fortune rather than structured attacking play. The Slovenian’s strike made it 2-1 before half-time, but the Red Devils never truly looked in control.
Fernandes Fluffs His Lines
United were handed a golden chance to level in the 75th minute when Nathan Collins dragged back Bryan Mbeumo inside the area. After a lengthy VAR review, Bruno Fernandes stepped up with the weight of the game on his shoulders. Instead of producing a captain’s moment, his weak penalty was easily stopped by Kelleher, drawing groans from the traveling support.
That miss summed up the night — a United side low on confidence and composure failing to capitalize at crucial moments.
Brentford Seal the Upset
As United pushed forward desperately in stoppage time, Brentford struck the killer blow. Mathias Jensen surged through acres of space on the counter, cut inside, and unleashed a thunderous finish into the roof of the net. It was a fitting exclamation point for Brentford, whose energy and organization outshone United’s disarray.
Amorim Under Fire
For Amorim, this defeat deepens the crisis. Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in November to replace Erik ten Hag, the 40-year-old has struggled to steady the ship.
- Premier League struggles: Three defeats in the opening six games, just two wins, and a 13th-place standing.
- Cup humiliation: A shock League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby earlier this season.
- Tactical confusion: Frequent defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion in attack.
Reports had suggested that co-owner Jim Ratcliffe backed Amorim in recent weeks. Yet, this latest setback could erode that support, especially with crucial fixtures looming — a must-win clash against newly promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford, followed by a daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
The Bigger Picture
United’s problems extend beyond Amorim. Recruitment has been inconsistent, with summer signings like Sesko and Matheus Cunha still adapting. The defence remains alarmingly porous, with Maguire and Dalot again culpable, while Fernandes’ leadership is being question after his costly penalty miss.
Brentford, on the other hand, are thriving under Keith Andrews despite his inexperience. Their high-tempo approach exposed United’s weaknesses, and in Igor Thiago, they appear to have unearthed a striker capable of filling the void left by Bryan Mbeumo.
Conclusion
Brentford’s 3-1 triumph will go down as one of their most memorable performances in recent years, while United are left searching for answers yet again. Ruben Amorim’s tenure is at a crossroads, with patience wearing thin among fans and the board alike. Unless he can spark a dramatic turnaround, the calls for change in the Old Trafford dugout may soon become impossible to ignore.
Final Score: Brentford 3–1 Manchester United
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