Manchester United’s dismal start to the season sunk to an embarrassing new low as they were hammered by Brentford.
The Bees ran riot to cruise to a 4-0 victory as the Red Devils slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table. Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen capitalised on David de Gea’s pair of howlers to hand the home side a quick-fire 2-0 lead.
Things went from bad to worse for Erik ten Hag’s side as Ben Mee headed a third before Bryan Mbeumo sent Brentford fans into dreamland with a fourth goal before the half-time whistle. Here are Mirror Football’s winners and losers from a bonkers game at the Gtech Stadium.
WINNERS
Josh Dasilva
The Brentford midfielder climbed off the bench to end an injury-ravaged 18 months with his first Premier League goal in last weekend’s draw against Leicester. Dasilva was rewarded with a starting spot for the visit of the Red Devils, and justified his inclusion with another long-range effort.
The ex-Arsenal youngster picked up the ball in the middle of the park before driving forward and tried his luck with his weaker right foot. It should have been a routine save for De Gea, but the Spaniard somehow allowed the ball to squirm past him and nestle in the back of the net.
Thomas Frank
The Brentford boss steered his side to an impressive 13th place in their debut Premier League campaign last term. Some sceptics have tipped the Bees to suffer ‘second season syndrome’ this time around after losing Christian Eriksen to United
However, Brentford will have no trouble beating the drop if the opening two games are anything to go by.
Trailing 2-0 at the King Power last weekend, Frank rolled the dice and used all five substitutes, with the gamble paying off as they rescued a point. He changed shape for the visit of United and outwitted his counterpart in the opposite dugout.
Mathias Jensen
The Danish midfielder has sometimes divided opinion among Brentford fans. On his day, the silky playmaker can thread a ball through an eye of a needle, but his inconsistency has left some supporters questioning whether he can cut it in the top flight.
Eriksen’s arrival last season pushed him down the pecking order as his teammate was put on set-piece duty instead. However, the former Spurs star’s departure has boosted his chances and Jensen put in an impressive display to leave Eriksen in his shadow.
He was alert to pounce for his first Premier League goal and went from strength to strength with a near faultless display in the middle of the park. Bees fans will be hoping it’s the first of many.
LOSERS
David de Gea
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The United keeper endured a first-half horror show and was at fault for both of Brentford’s early goals. First, De Gea allowed Dasilva’s effort to squeeze through him, but his second howler was arguably even worse.
The Spanish international played a hospital ball to Eriksen on the edge of his own box, with Jensen breathing down his neck. Eriksen was robbed of possession and Jensen fired past De Gea into the net.
Manchester United allowed Dean Henderson - De Gea’s rival for the No.1 shirt - to join Nottingham Forest this summer. That decision appears to have backfired.
Christian Eriksen
The Danish superstar joined Brentford on a short-term deal earlier this year and played his part as the Bees comfortably stayed up. However, he rejected the chance to remain in west London and opted for a money-spinning contract at Old Trafford instead.
Brentford boss Frank urged fans to give the midfielder a good reception but his advice was ignored as he was booed with every touch. Home fans chanted “you only went for the money” and “you should’ve stayed at a big club” as Eriksen endured a nightmare return to the capital.
He was mugged of the ball for Brentford’s second goal after being sold short by teammate De Gea - and he made his feelings plain to the Spaniard during the water break. Eriksen had the chance to temporarily silence the boo boys in the second off but fired wide from close range when it appeared easier to score, then was jeered as he was substituted late on.
Erik ten Hag
Manchester United’s pre-season demolition of Liverpool must feel like a lifetime ago for their new manager. All of the early optimism has quickly disappeared after two disastrous results against two teams they would’ve been expected to beat.
His side looked clueless and were ripped apart by a rampant Brentford outfit in the first half.
Even the three half-time changes failed to inspire the visitors, who failed to seriously test David Raya in the Brentford goal. The Dutchman has some big problems on his hands and he will be desperate to add some firepower to his goal-shy side before the end of the window.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ten Hag responded to his wantaway talisman’s cameo against Brighton last weekend by handing him a start at the Gtech Stadium. However, United looked toothless in attack again and the Portuguese superstar didn’t get any change out of the Bees defence.
Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure throughout, especially after spurning two rare second-half chances. He thumped the floor after heading over, then looked to the heavens after failing to hit the target from a similar position moments later.
His future needs to be resolved one way or the other, but Ten Hag can’t afford to lose his most dangerous player unless they bring in reinforcements by the close of play on August 31.
