While Manchester United were celebrating Europa League glory in Bilbao on Thursday, Brentford’s defeat of Nottingham Forest in midweek had already confirmed the 20-times champions would finish the season in the bottom half for the first time since 1989-1990. Defeat at the Gtech made it 16 league losses for United, matching the loss count from 1989-1990. Not even a late – far too late – comeback in west London protected their modesty.
Brentford beat a yet more underpowered United selection than is normal, even for this season of historic mediocrity. A deserved home victory was secured via a fine headed double from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa’s tap-in following a first goal gifted by the comically lax defending that has been a regular feature of United’s season.
