Brentford vs Manchester United LIVE: Hosts bring visitors back down to earth in seven-goal thriller
Brentford 4-3 Manchester United: Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo threatened a late comeback
Brentford defeated Manchester United 4-3 to bring the visitors back down to earth after they named their youngest-ever Premier League starting line-up.
Just three days after United’s brilliant 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, Ruben Amorim stuck to his word by naming a much-changed team but his side took an early lead through Mason Mount.
It was one-way traffic from there, however, with Brentford levelling via a deflection from Luke Shaw and Kevin Schade’s header putting Thomas Frank’s side in front before half time. Schade added his second following the restart, with Yonna Wiisa continuing his excellent season by notching a fourth.
Alejandro Garnacho got one back late on with a spectacular finish, with Amad Diallo pulling another back in stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent a 16th defeat of the Premier League season. Brentford, meanwhile, kept their slim hopes of qualifying for Europe alive, while United turn their attention back to Thursday’s second leg against Athletic and attempting to reach the Europa League final.
Follow all of the latest from the Gtech Community Stadium with our live blog below:
Man United crush Athletic dreams in Bilbao on best night of Ruben Amorim’s reign
And why would Manchester United not be prioritising the Europa League after such a good showing in the semi-final first leg against Athletic? Richard Jolly was in Bilbao to digest a few pintxos and the best performance of the Ruben Amorim era.
Man United crush Athletic dreams in Bilbao on best night of Ruben Amorim’s reign
Ruben Amorim willing to take risks as Man Utd prioritise Europa League
It very much sounds like Ruben Amorim will be rotating heavily today, with Manchester United’s firm focus on the Europa League.
Ruben Amorim willing to take risks as Man Utd prioritise Europa League
Brentford vs Manchester United LIVE
The end of the Premier League season is drawing ever nearer - mercifully for Manchester United. A tricky domestic campaign has been salvaged, rather, by a remarkable run in the Europa League, with a spot in the final looking close to secure after a fabulous win in Bilbao.
Brentford will provide tough opposition ahead of the semi-final second leg as Ruben Amorim’s side attempt to build momentum - though the manager has made it clear where his priorities lie.
Kick off in London is at 2pm BST.
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