United Beyond Manchester

Starting Eleven

Altay Bayindir: 5 – Bayindir had two excellent reaction saves on Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins headers inside the opening twenty minutes. He also saved well to keep United in the match on a shot from Dango Outtara in the 61st minute. Despite several good saves, he conceded three times and was caught out on the home side’s third.

Matthijs De Ligt: 5 – De Ligt’s error allowed Kevin Schade in behind to play the ball across for Brentford’s second. He settled in after the mishap, making seven clearances and three tackles.

Harry Maguire: 5 – In the eighth minute, Maguire attempted to play an offside trap on Igor Thiago, but mistimed it and allowed the Brazilian a free run on goal for Brentford’s first. He defended well in the air on Bretford’s long throws and set pieces.

Luke Shaw: 5 – Shaw was the lone back-three starter who didn’t contribute to a Brentford goal, but it still was not his best effort.

Diogo Dalot: 5 – Dalot returned from a short injury layoff and had a quiet day down the right. He has to do more if Amorim’s system is going to work this season.

Manuel Ugarte: 5 – Ugarte held down the middle of the pitch well defensively, as nearly all of the danger from Brentford came from the flanks. One area he has to improve on, however, is his play in possession.

Bruno Fernandes: 3 – Fernandes missed his second penalty of the season with a weak effort that Kelleher saved easily to his left. He failed to have any impact going forward and never got going in the match.

Patrick Dorgu: 6 – Dorgu’s cross created the mess that led to Sesko’s goal. The young wing back was constantly working up and down the left side and was solid defensively. He needs to find opportunities to get the ball into the box more often, as the ball in for Sesko’s goal was his lone cross in the match.

Bryan Mbeumo: 4 – It was not a happy return to the Gtech for Mbeumo. Outside of winning the penalty that Bruno missed, the Cameroonian was barely in the match and failed to register a shot.

Matheus Cunha: 5 – Cunha managed four shots, with one target, but never really threatened Kelleher’s goal. Too often, he opted for difficult shots rather than looking for teammates in space with better shooting opportunities. He is best when he can drive at a back line, but Brentford limited his chances to do that.

Benjamin Sesko: 7 – Sesko was in the right place, at the right time to smash in his first United goal. His hold-up play was improved, but he still needs more service in the final third.

Substitutes

Kobbie Mainoo: 6 – Mainoo was heavily involved during his short time on the field as he facilitated United’s moves forward. Something has to change for Amorim, and it might be time to give Mainoo a start.

Leny Yoro: 6 – Yoro came off the bench for the second consecutive match and was solid. In his 24 minutes, he cleared twice and blocked a shot.

Mason Mount: NR

Joshua Zirkzee: NR

Man of the Match: Benjamin Sesko