United Beaten 3-1 at Brentford with Fernandes Missing Key Penalty | OneFootball

Brentford 3-1 Manchester United, Fernandes Misses as Thiago Shines

Early Struggles Define United’s Defeat

Manchester United’s visit to the Gtech Community Stadium ended in disappointment, as Bruno Fernandes saw a second-half penalty saved in a 3-1 loss to Brentford. Igor Thiago’s double inside the opening stages stunned United, who were left reeling from defensive errors that set the tone for the afternoon.

Benjamin Sesko gave hope with his first goal in United colours since a £74m move from RB Leipzig, but Fernandes’ chance to equalise was thwarted by Caoimhin Kelleher. The Brentford goalkeeper dived to his right to turn away the skipper’s low strike after a lengthy VAR delay.

That reprieve proved decisive, as Brentford sealed victory deep into stoppage time when Mathias Jensen unleashed a fierce effort from the edge of the area that flew beyond Altay Bayindir.

Brentford Ruthless in Exploiting Weaknesses

Keith Edwards’ side were quick to identify space and frailties in United’s defensive set-up. Jordan Henderson’s long pass carved open United for the opener, exposing Harry Maguire as he gambled on an offside trap. Thiago raced clear and finished emphatically.

Moments later Kevin Schade’s drive down the left created chaos. Bayindir parried his cross straight to Thiago, who finished from close range to double the lead. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, on punditry duty, offered a damning verdict. “Shambolic,” he said. “The system is hampering them. They’re not sure where they’re meant to be.”

Richards added, “In terms of the goals, there were individual errors. Maguire was trying to play offside for the first one, there’s no point gambling there. For the second, (Matthijs) de Ligt doesn’t know where he’s going and Maguire isn’t sure where to position himself. It’s 100% confusion caused by playing that system. It doesn’t suit the players.”

United Fail to Recover Momentum

Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation continues to divide opinion. The defeat means United have still not managed back-to-back league wins under their manager. Their winless run away from home now stretches to eight matches, their worst sequence since 2019.

Fernandes’ penalty miss added to United’s frustrations. His strike was on target but lacked conviction, giving Kelleher the chance to make the save. Complaints about whether Nathan Collins should have been sent off for dragging Bryan Mbeumo back in the box were brushed aside, as referee Craig Pawson’s decision was upheld by the Premier League.

As United pushed forward, they left gaps that Brentford exploited with energy and directness. Luke Shaw was stretched trying to cover the left, while De Ligt struggled to contain Schade on the opposite flank. The weaknesses were clear and Brentford capitalised.

Thiago Becomes Brentford’s Hero

For Brentford, this was another landmark victory. Their fans revelled in taunting Mbeumo on his return and Amorim in the away dugout. Igor Thiago, once held back by injuries, is now proving his worth. His brace took him to five goals in seven games this season, a record that matches Bryan Mbeumo’s prolific run from the previous campaign.

Thiago’s story is a powerful one. His development in Brazil was disrupted by the death of his father, forcing him to work from a young age. From carrying fruit to labouring on building sites, his path to the Premier League has been defined by perseverance. Now, with Brentford supporters singing his name, Thiago’s determination is being rewarded on the biggest stage.

For Edwards and his players, this result not only secures three vital points but also sends a reminder that Brentford remain one of the most awkward opponents in the Premier League. For United, the search for consistency continues, with tactical questions around Amorim demanding urgent answers.