Manchester United ratings vs Brentford: Bruno Fernandes poor as Benjamin Sesko nets first goal in defeat | OneFootball

Red Devils sit in 13th in the Premier League table

The pressure on Ruben Amorim continues to mount after Manchester United were beaten 3-1 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

United hit back six minutes later, with Benjamin Sesko capitalising on some weak goalkeeping from Caoimhin Kelleher to score his first goal for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Bruno Fernandes had the chance to level the scores from the penalty spot in the second-half, but his tame effort was saved by Kelleher.

Mathias Jensen sealed the three points with a swerving effort on the counter as Brentford maintained their unbeaten start at home under Keith Andrews.

Sam Tabuteau rated the United players from the Gtech Community Stadium...

Altay Bayindir 5: Another mixed afternoon for the United goalkeeper. Nothing he could do about Thiago’s opening goal, but got a big hand to the Brazilian’s second effort, which squirmed through him. Made two excellent saves in quick succession to deny Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins. Wrong footed by Jensen’s stoppage-time effort.

Diogo Dalot 4: Struggled all afternoon to contend with Schade’s pace. Pinned back by the Brentford forward, he was unable to support Mbeumo in attack.

Mathijs de Ligt 4: Let Thiago get in front of him to win the knockdown that led to Brentford’s second goal. Didn’t quite know his job in possession, with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha both urging him to push up and provide an option. Fell as he went to make a clearance inside the box

Harry Maguire 4: Woefully out of position to keep Igor Thiago onside for Brentford’s first goal. Was beaten for pace by Schade for Brentford’s second. Replaced by Leny Yoro after 66 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes 3: A bitterly frustrating afternoon for the United captain. Couldn’t find his range in the first-half, with several wayward passes, and found himself too deep to impact the game. A poorly struck penalty summed up his performance.

Matheus Cunha 6: Brought back into the starting lineup, he kept finding space in between the lines in the first-half. Darted in behind to square for Mbeumo as United had the chance to level from the spot. Glimpses of quality, but not enough to truly trouble Brentford.

Patrick Dorgu 5: Kept the chance alive for Sesko’s goal, stretching to cross the ball into the area. Another committed display from the full-back, who won the most duels of any player on the pitch. Lacked quality in possession.

Bryan Mbeumo 6: Won the penalty from which Fernandes levelled and provided an important intervention to disrupt Kelleher in the build-up to Sesko’s goal. This, however, was a disappointing return to Brentford for the 26-year-old.

Luke Shaw 5: Could only watch on as Brentford swarmed all over United in the opening 20 minutes. Wasn’t at fault for either goal, but continued to look ineffectual as a makeshift centre-back.

Manuel Ugarte 4: Continues to start ahead of Kobbie Mainoo without providing any evidence as to why. Too slow in possession and kept getting dispossessed. With United chasing the game, Ugarte struggled to get his side moving forward despite seeing plenty of the ball. Replaced by Mainoo in the 66th minute.

Benjamin Sesko 6: Grabbed his first goal in United colours and looked a far more commanding presence up front, building on his performance against Chelsea last weekend. Still starved of possession, but there is promise there if United can get him on the ball.

Substitutes:

Leny Yoro 6: His ability to step forward with the ball set the move in motion that led to United’s penalty. Added some pace and direction to United’s build-up.

Kobbie Mainoo 5: A neat tackle drew a loud cheer from the away end, evidence of the bite United had lacked in midfield. He didn’t have to do much to better Ugarte’s performance.

Mason Mount 4: Coming on with just under 10 minutes to play, Mount managed nine touches in 18 minutes. Couldn’t compete with Brentford’s energy in the middle of the park, spearheaded by Yehor Yarmoliuk.

Joshua Zirkzee 4: Despite chasing the game, United were unable to get Zirkzee into play. Took just one touch in the opposition penalty box.