Online Reporter
There is a real possibility that Manchester United will finish the season in 17th after another defeat in the Premier League.
Brentford inflicted their 16th loss of the season in a more comfortable manner than the one-goal margin suggested.
Of course Ruben Amorim is focussed on securing the Europa League queue-jump route into the Champions League, but he gambled on an inexperienced team here which was frequently shown up. Sunday was a day of rest for the heroes of Bilbao with Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Casemiro all dropping to the bench.
Chido Obi became the club’s youngest Premier League starter at 17 years and 156 days, Altay Bayindir was in goal and Tyler Fredricson took a place in the back three. It was the club’s youngest starting XI overall in the Premier League era.
Brentford, unchanged, were taking things more seriously, throwing in clever crosses from all angles from the start which almost led to an own goal as Luke Shaw nodded back to AWOL Bayindir.
But the visitors took the lead with Alejandro Garnacho earning a reward for his bright and busy start, being put through on the left flank by a deft Kobbie Mainoo pass, deliv-ering accurately then finding Mason Mount who was on hand to finish. It was a lovely goal and United seemed in control until Harry Amass was beaten in the air too easily in the aftermath of a long throw after 27 minutes. Mikkel Damsgaard finished with opportunistic elan, Shaw’s touch steered it past the unfortunate Bayindir.
Two and too easy again for Brentford, with Kevin Schade beating Fredricson for a header. The defender looked surprised that anyone might fancy attacking Christian Norgaard’s cross.
United wanted a foul for a tussle between Matthijs De Ligt and Yoane Wissa but it would have been as soft as their defensive approach.
A reconfiguration at half-time made United steadier, with Shaw removed for Lenny Yo-ro. They banged away bluntly in an attempt to get back into the game but Brentford weathered the mild storm. — Zimpapers Sports Hub\Telegraph.
