Manchester United were thoroughly outplayed by Brentford this evening and will be counting their lucky stars that they left the Gtech Community Stadium with a point.
Bar the opening 15 minutes or so, the Bees executed their game plan to perfection. Thomas Frank’s side recorded 85 touches in United’s box and 31 shots in total, four of which hit the woodwork.
Across the first 45, they had more touches in the opposition’s box (34) than they’ve had in any other first half since they were promoted to the Premier League.
Mason Mount thought he’d snatched all three points when he scored his first-ever United goal in the sixth minute of injury time before the Reds were brought back down to Earth following Kristoffer Ajer’s equaliser just three minutes later.
Erik ten Hag was also struck with injury woes yet again; Raphael Varane was withdrawn at the interval shortly after he fell awkwardly on his knee when lunging into a challenge. Harry Maguire was called upon to replace the Frenchman and partner Victor Lindelof.
That was until Lindelof was also substituted in the 69th minute as he made way for the returning Lisandro Martinez.
Steven Railston has since confirmed that Swede was ‘limping’ while exiting the ground, although Varane described his complaint as ‘not too bad’.
