Police in riot gear were forced to intervene after a large group of Manchester United supporters cornered visiting Brentford fans outside Old Trafford last night.
Video footage showed both stewards and officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) with protective headgear step in as punches and missiles, including a smoke canister and piece of wood, were thrown at the entrance to the away end.
United supporters, via the medium of song, also wished death upon owner Joel Glazer, while some staged a walkout in the 73rd minute of the game. Before the match a larger number of supporters staged another protest on the forecourt to the east of the stadium, following similar gathering ahead of the games against Norwich City and Chelsea.
A GMP spokesman said that no arrests were made at the scene.
Ralf Rangnick's side won 3-0 in their final home game of a deeply disappointing campaign that strengthened their grip on sixth place. Bruno Fernandes scored inside ten minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, with his first goal for the club, making the points safe midway through the second period.
“Tonight we showed one of our best performances in the last six months in possession: 73%-74% in the first half and in total 65% - that was the reason we were controlling the game,” Rangnick said.
“It was also the players on the pitch, three creative central midfielders with Juan Mata, Bruno [Fernandes] and Nemanja Matic. We were in control in most parts, still had a few gaps defensively but I was pleased with the performance we showed tonight.”
Mata and Matic were given warm receptions in their final home games before leaving the club in the summer, although Jesse Lingard was offered no such farewell. That led to his brother, Louie Scott, posting an angry message on Instagram.
"20 years of blood sweat and tears," he wrote. "4 domestic trophies, 3 cup final goals. Not even a farewell. No wonder it's Conference League next year.
"Attacking players for celebrations when the club's being sold to the Super League OK. Class of 92, Busby Babes. You're ran by people who don't even know the offside trap. Classless and the fans need to realise. Goodnight, god bless! Tarar. Been there since 9 years of age and didn't even get a send off!!!. Well done bro, your family are proud."
