Much changed Manchester United beaten by Brentford in seven-goal thriller

It was obvious where United’s priorities lay - as manager Ruben Amorim made eight changes from the side that won 3-0 in the first leg at Bilbao on Thursday.

Sun, 04 May, 2025 - 16:06

TONY BANKS, GTech Stadium

Brentford 4 Manchester United 3

KEVIN SCHADE scored twice as Brentford plunged Manchester United’s Premier League campaign into further misery.

Shambolic United, with a youthful line up, were torn apart after taking the lead - and ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, also have more injury worries after Matthijs de Ligt limped off.

It was obvious where United’s priorities lay - as manager Ruben Amorim made eight changes from the side that won 3-0 in the first leg at Bilbao on Thursday.

That win put United in the box seat for a place in the final - and ahead of this Thursday’s second leg, it was no surprise that their team at the GTech Stadium was the third youngest line up in Premier League history, with an average age of 22 years and 270 days.

But United’s European form has been in stark contrast to their wretched domestic campaign, which has seen them have their worst ever Premier League season - and their worst finish to any season for 50 years.

They had two huge escapes at the start - as skipper Luke Shaw almost headed into his own net, and then Schade fired over.

Out of the blue, United took the lead, when Alejandro Garnacho’s low cross was flicked in by Mason Mount - his first goal since March 2024.

Brentford's Yoane Wissa scores his side's fourth goal of the game. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

That lead did not last long. Mikkel Damsgaard flicked the ball on - and Shaw diverted it into his own net.

United collapsed. Six minutes later De Ligt went down injured and Amorim’s team stopped - as Christian Norgaard crossed for Schade to head home.

United goalkeeper Altoy Bayandir pulled off fine saves from Schade’s low shot, and then Norgaard’s header.

Amorim rang the changes - but a dreadful United defence could not hold out. The third goal duly arrived for the Bees as Bryan Mbeumo crossed for Schade to nod in.

Then Mbeumo slid the ball across for the unmarked Yoan Wissa to easily slot home the fourth goal.

Garnacho got one back for United when he fired into the corner and in added time Amad Diallo slid home a fine shot to make the score respectable.

But it could not disguise another dreadful Premier League display - and awful preparation for their European showdown on Thursday.

And Brentford’s hunt for European football is well and truly on.