Early setbacks and squandered chances — United stumble in London
Manchester United’s troubles deepened this afternoon as they fell 3–1 away to Brentford in the Premier League.
Key moments:
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Brentford struck early, with Igor Thiago netting a brace — a composed strike into the top corner and then a rebound finish after United keeper Altay Bayindir failed to keep out a loose ball.
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United pulled one back in the 26th minute through Benjamin Sesko, his first for the club — but it was a mere consolation.
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The turning point arrived after a foul on Bryan Mbeumo prompted a VAR check. United were awarded a penalty, but Bruno Fernandes’ spot-kick was saved by Brentford’s keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
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In stoppage time, Mathias Jensen delivered the dagger — a powerful counterattack finish that sealed Brentford’s win.
Player Assessment & Tactical Notes
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Bruno Fernandes: The captain endured a frustrating day, missing the spot kick and struggling to influence play otherwise.
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Defensive frailty: United’s backline showed alarming lapses. Diogo Dalot in particular looked off the pace, while the center-back pairing failed to cope with Brentford’s direct runs.
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Goalkeeping: Bayindir had moments but was exposed on rebounds and second balls.
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Midfield & shape: United’s transitions were sloppy. The side appeared vulnerable to quick counters, especially after the penalty miss when Brentford smelled blood.
Bigger Picture & Consequences
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This is United’s third league defeat of the season, compounding the pressure on manager Rúben Amorim.
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The loss highlights recurring issues: defensive inconsistency, overreliance on Bruno for attacking spark, and a lack of cutting edge under pressure.
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The penalty moment will be analysed heavily — missing from the spot in such a tight game is costly.
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There’s mounting discontent among supporters, who expect more resilience on the road.
What’s Next for United
After a morale-shattering afternoon, United must regroup quickly. The upcoming fixtures do not offer easy respite, and the squad’s mentality will be tested. Regardless of medium-term projection, the managerial regime must find stability and urgency — or risk further decline.
