Manchester United were defeated 4-3 by Brentford in a Premier League clash, despite mounting a spirited comeback late in the game.
Opting to rest key players ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao next week, United fielded their youngest starting eleven in Premier League history, with an average age of 22. Brentford established a commanding 4-1 lead, featuring two goals from Kevin Schade, before late strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo reduced the deficit for the visitors.
Match Information
Team Lineups:
Brentford: Flekken; Kayode, Collins, Van de Berg, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard; Damsgaard, Yarmolyuk; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade
Man Utd: Bayindir; De Ligt, Ferdricson, Shaw; Dorgu, Ugarte, Mainoo, Amass; Garnacho, Mount; Obi
Match Updates and Highlights
Frank optimistic about European qualification
Brentford manager Thomas Frank feels his team has strong momentum in their push for a Europa Conference League spot. The 4-3 win against Manchester United lifted Brentford to ninth place, just one point behind Bournemouth in eighth. Frank is confident his squad is well-placed to secure European football for the first time, provided Crystal Palace do not win the FA Cup.
Chido Obi sets United record
At the age of 17 years and 156 days, Chido Obi made history as the youngest player ever to start a Premier League game for Manchester United. He is one of only four 17-year-olds to start a top-flight match this season, joining Arsenal`s Ethan Nwaneri, Tottenham`s Mikey Moore, and Fulham`s Josh King.
Amorim praises youth performance
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United`s coach, expressed belief in the club`s future after watching his young players` brave performance at Brentford. Despite making eight changes and fielding the third-youngest Premier League starting lineup ever, Amorim saw many positives in the 4-3 defeat.
United`s historic young lineup
Manchester United`s starting eleven against Brentford, with an average age of 22 years and 270 days, was the third-youngest lineup fielded by any club in Premier League history. The team featured several young talents: Tyler Fredricson, Patrick Dorgu, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo (all 20), Harry Amass (18), and Chido Obi (17). Only Middlesbrough (May 2006) and Arsenal (May 2009) have started younger sides in the Premier League.
Wissa`s scoring streak continues
Yoane Wissa`s impressive season for Brentford shows no signs of stopping. His goal against Manchester United marked his fourth consecutive Premier League appearance with a goal. This brings his season tally to 18 league goals, matching Bryan Mbeumo. Only Ivan Toney (20 in 2022-23) has scored more for Brentford in a single Premier League season.
Gtech Stadium Statistics
This match marked the first time this season that Manchester United lost a Premier League game after taking the lead. Consequently, all 20 Premier League clubs have now dropped points from a winning position in the 2024-25 campaign. This rare occurrence is only the third instance in Premier League history where every team has lost a match they were leading, the others being in 2015-16 and 2020-21.
Sunday`s Premier League Results (Early Games)
Ahead of the late kick-off between Chelsea and Liverpool, here are the results from the earlier Sunday fixtures:
- Brentford 4-3 Man Utd
- Brighton 1-1 Newcastle
- West Ham 1-1 Tottenham
Full Time: Brentford 4-3 Man Utd
Brentford secured the victory despite a very late Manchester United effort. The final scoreline perhaps flattered United given the balance of play for large parts of the second half.
Brentford 4-3 Man Utd (90+7 min)
Bryan Mbeumo effectively ran down the clock by keeping the ball in the corner during the final moments.
Brentford 4-3 Man Utd (90+5 min): Amad pulls one back!
Amad Diallo created a dramatic end to the match! The substitute cut inside from the right and took a shot. It deflected off Sepp van den Berg but somehow trickled through Mark Flekken`s legs and into the net. This late goal gave Manchester United a glimmer of hope for an improbable 4-4 draw in added time.
Goal graphic
Brentford 4-2 Man Utd (90 min)
Seven minutes of stoppage time were announced.
Brentford 4-2 Man Utd (89 min)
Chido Obi demonstrated brilliant close control inside the penalty area, evading three Brentford players. His subsequent powerful shot was excellently blocked by Sepp van den Berg, showcasing good play from both youngsters.
Brentford 4-2 Man Utd (85 min)
The travelling Manchester United fans deserve credit for their persistent singing throughout the match despite the scoreline. They were the more vocal set of supporters.
Brentford 4-2 Man Utd (82 min): Garnacho scores a stunning goal!
Alejandro Garnacho added another spectacular strike to his resume, although it proved to be little more than a consolation. The Argentine winger drove down the left flank, cut inside past Bryan Mbeumo, and exchanged a quick one-two with Christian Eriksen. Upon receiving the ball back, he unleashed a fierce shot from approximately 25 yards that flew into the far top corner – a truly brilliant individual effort.
Goal graphic
