Brentford added another chapter in Man Utd’s long list of humiliation of past nine years when they produced a stunning first-half performance as they scored four goals in the first 35 minutes to condemn Manchester United to a humiliating defeat at Gtech Community Stadium.
Thirty-five minutes into the second game of the reign of Erik ten Hag and the man whose job it is to restore the most troubled institution in elite English football was four goals behind – to Brentford. He had, lest it be overlooked, already lost his first match, to Brighton, and there were a variety of other problems with the summer too numerous to mention. He shaded his eyes in the fierce sunlight of the late evening as if he was trying to discern something out there. Was it a United team, playing in the shirts of unfamiliar green? Or just a collection of famous footballers desperate to be anywhere but here?
Josh Dasilva put the hosts ahead when his strike from distance somehow eluded United goalkeeper David de Gea.
Mathias Jensen doubled the lead after dispossessing former Brentford player Christian Eriksen, with Ben Mee and Bryan Mbeumo goals putting Thomas Frank’s side four up during an incredible first half in which they dismantled United in stunning fashion.
The defeat is United’s seventh in a row on the road – their worst run since 1936 – while it is the seventh time they have conceded at least four goals in a league game since the start of last season.
While Brentford can bask in a historic win, United boss Erik ten Hag faces the unenviable task of lifting his players in time for the visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford on Monday, 22 August.
Having been deservedly beaten by Brighton last week, United sought to make a quick start but it was Brentford who found early joy as the visitors’ defense crumbled in spectacular fashion against their high-pressing hosts.
Manager Ten Hag could barely have envisaged such a catastrophic start to his reign, and while there is still time for the Dutchman to transform their fortunes, the first two games of the season have underlined the daunting task facing the former Ajax boss at Old Trafford.
