Brentford 3 – 1 United
Post-match silence, familiar pain
There’s a pattern here, after some defeats, the words just don’t come out. This Manchester United team was once title-winning, regularly challenging for honours, and for a while, felt like something special. Like many, my own connection to the club really picked up because of old Cristiano days, starting from Moyes and through LVG. Since then, the one thing Manchester United has been consistent about is their lack of consistency. Sometimes it’s almost easier to just give up, but it never sticks; there’s a loyalty here, the kind you’d expect from family. Frustration, disappointment, and still, a steady love.
A missed chance for back-to-back wins
This was supposed to be Amorim’s first run of consecutive league wins, eleven months into his spell, and even after all the poor performances, some soft spot remained for the manager. Yet the mistakes keep popping up; it’s become hard to stay on his side. Right now, just like a lot of others, it’s both Amorim out and still Amorim in. There will be more on that at the end, but let’s get into one of United’s roughest outings without spilling over into all the details.
A disastrous start
The first goal told the story: eighth minute, Cunha lost possession, wanted a foul but didn’t get it. Maguire, who has been solid enough recently, was caught out; still not quick enough to recover. He’s better moving the ball than De Ligt, but anyone thinking he’s some new Van Dijk should check their expectations. As a squad player on lower wages, he’s fine, but as a starter, the lack of pace always hurts United, especially in high-risk setups. He sat just inside the halfway line as the last defender apart from Bayındır, but Brentford was ready. Henderson launched a long ball, Igor Tiago was precise with the finish, and Bayındır was left stranded. One ball and it was done. Blame both Maguire’s speed and Bayındır’s positioning, even if the shot made things tough, critical moments call for better. Offside was checked, but the goal stood firmly onside.
Brentford’s plan: keep it simple
Brentford found their opening and stuck to it; sprinting onto direct passes, beating United for second balls, making everything feel loose and disconnected. Bayındır managed a couple of saves, but Brentford really should have been two goals up before long.
Second goal, same problems
Another long ball, Igor winning the header, Schade with the shot, and Bayındır only managed a weak parry right into danger. Igor was waiting, unmarked, and made it 2-0. Dalot and Shaw were both left out of position, and this was more than just a goalkeeper struggle. Defensive basics were missing, and United seemed lost for moments at a time.
United’s glimmer from Sesko
Just before the half-hour mark, Dorgu sent a clumsy cross across the box. Kelleher tried punching it away, but only found Sesko, who steered a header at goal. Kelleher saved, Sesko went again, another save, and then finally, the third try found the net. Finally, there was something for United, even if the luck felt thin.
Halftime, lucky not worse
By the break, United should have counted itself lucky not to trail by more. Brentford looked sharper and more in control throughout.
Second half: the missed penalty and defensive woes
Early in the second period, Brentford kept attacking while United looked tame. Cunha tried carrying the ball, showing some effort and asking for more involvement. On 71 minutes, he produced a great pass to Mbeumo, who was fouled for a penalty. It was close to a red card; last man, no intention for the ball, but just a penalty came. The debate about that tackle is everywhere right now. Regardless, Bruno stepped up and missed. Given the way the team played, it felt fitting.
Bayındır’s final mistake
The goal for 3-1 was almost comic, a shot that should have been saved at any level. Bayındır missed it, and it felt like one of those school games when the basics just aren’t there. If Lammens doesn’t start against Sunderland, there’ll be serious frustration among the fans.
The real issues: basics, not formations
The system itself, the formation, isn’t what’s wrong. It’s picking the right players, putting them in the right places, and expecting them to do the basics. Bruno can hit 20 goals from a six/eight hybrid role in Amorim’s setup, but this job requires defensive discipline, filling gaps, carrying from the back and then returning. Bruno doesn’t do those basics. Lammens, at 23, deserves a shot in goal, look at how Courtois started for Atletico at an even younger age, and Bayındır simply hasn’t done enough.
What next for manager and team
There’s every reason to back Amorim, but only if he makes smart choices; Bruno behind the striker, starting Lammens in goal, and staying flexible. The manager must show pragmatism, not stubbornness. Otherwise, patience fades fast.
More on manager rumours soon
There’s plenty to discuss, with United’s manager search just beginning to ramp up. Stay tuned for a deeper dive in the next post at RADAR.
Till next time; YANITED!
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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