Brentford 3-1 Manchester United: Bruno Fernandez sees a penalty saved by Kaoimhin Kelleher as United failed to win back-to-back Premier League again after Igor Thiago’s double
Bruno Fernandez missed the second penalty of the Premier League season as Manchester United returned to return to a disappointing defeat at Brentford. United won Chelsea 2-1, but got into the game as familiar mistakes erode their performance in West London.
Brentford rose 2-0 within 20 minutes as Igor Thiago used some volatile United defenses to help himself. First, he latched into a long ball above the top of the defense from Jordan Henderson and raised the rebound after Altai Bayindeal pushed the ball into his path before blasting into the top corner.
United finally woke up and Benjamin Sesco had to hit three Cherries on his first United goal from close range. Bayindir made a good low save to keep Dangowatara out before Nathan Collins’ Foul on Bryan Mbeumo offered a route back to the away side game.
However, after a long delay, Fernandez saw his efforts being saved by penalty expert Caoimhin Kelleher. Sustersed Mathias Jensen made three points safe for Brentford with a break in injury time with the chant “You’re fired in the morning.” Here’s the key points to the story after United made an 8-league away game without winning.
read more: Andre Onana’s wife joins Man Utd Keeper, leaving the UK after grieving the experience of robberyread more: Altai Bayindeal’s response to Man UTD Blow speaks volume as Reuben Amorim’s decision has questioned
1. Makes blocks ring faster
United were seen digging into preparations to defend the set pieces before kickoff, but after the match began, it appears that Brentford threw but was not ready. There was the same old, shaky backline that came to define the side of the Amorim, and Brentford made the most of it.
If they didn’t have a few strong saves from Bayindir, they could have easily been down 3-0 after the nightmare start. Harry Maguire played onside for Thiago for his first goal before he realized that Mattigis de Liguto was away from the second position that came from another simple long ball.
It was a symbolic start to the awayside after spending a week preparing for the game, and had already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
2. Long throw to stay here
Earlier this week, Miller Football spoke to professional throw-in coach Thomas Gronemark, who worked with Brentford about the prevalence of long throws this season in the Premier League. Averages 3.4 per match, and West Ham hasn’t tried one in his opponent’s box so far.
This match was a perfect example of the trend as Brentford’s Michael Cayode and United’s Diogo Darotto launched the ball on every occasion. At Brentford, which used tactics well last season, it’s nothing new, but United now jumped on the bandwagon.
But, as Gronnemark warned, there are more than you would simply chuck it and want. “For most teams, the quality is so low that throw-in is a really ugly part. The ball is thrown into high pressure situations where there is a duel,” he said. “There are too many chaotic pitches in the Premier League.”
3
Sesko arrived at United on a £73.7 million contract from RB Leipzig and had a lot of expectations on his shoulders. Seeing Rasmus Hozilund had a hard time dealing with it, the Slovenians knew he needed to make a good impression early on. It didn’t happen, and there were signs that it began to reach him.
His first United goal was owed much to Khaoimhin Kelehar, which was not possible with a simple cross from Patrick Dorg, but Sesco showed good resolve to continue his shooting. He couldn’t miss the third go, and the 22-year-old, who scored 21 goals for Leipzig last season, is off the mark in his seventh appearance.
4. Fernandez was rejected after being late
The United captain had the opportunity to bring side levels from the penalty spot after Nathan Collins pulled back Mbeumo in front of the goal. Judge Craig Pawson took the time to point to the spot, and there was even more delay before Fernandez stepped up to check for potential red cards to deny a chance to score.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews made him wait longer by making double replacements. Fernandez stepped sideways towards the corner, but Kelleher maintained an impressive record with a penalty, saving the fourth from seven of the shootouts between Brentford and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Fernandez missed two of the three in the Premier League this season and skied at Craven Cottage early in the season.
5. Unnecessary statistics for Amorim continue
Amorim has been United Manager since November 2024. His side has yet to win consecutive Premier League matches under his management. United fans who have vowed not to cut their hair until they have five consecutive wins may have been waiting for this evidence for a long time.
When I see games like this, I start to wonder what I’m doing all week on the training pitch. With European football and the Carabao Cup not considered, United have all week to prepare for league matches, but they were blown away in the opening 20 minutes and offered little when chasing the game. The penalty was a gift wrapped point, but they shouldn’t take advantage of it.
Join our new Man UTD WhatsApp community and receive a daily amount of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat community members with special offers, promotions and advertising. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, you can read the privacy notice.
Sky Sports Discount Premier League and EFL Packages
£49
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has significantly reduced the prices of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundles ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving its members to £336, and offering over 1,400 live matches in the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, showing an even greater increase of up to 100.
